British girls' lack of physical activity is leading to poorer mental health and lower aspirations than their male counterparts, according to a new study.
Figures released recently by the Office for National Statistics show girls aged between eight and 15 spend almost half as much time (25 minutes per day on average) as boys doing sporting activities.
There are many projects and organisations in the UK bucking this worrying trend by successfully engaging teenage girls in sport and physical activity. Here is just a selection:
Mini Mermaid UK Running Club: Girls train for a local 5k through a structured programme delivered by local coaches. Training techniques focus on mindfulness and teaching participants the value of exercise and moving their bodies, whatever their size, shape or ability. Visit the website and follow @minimermaiduk on Twitter.
Girls Together: Girls Together aims to provide the women and girls of Cardiff with an appropriate selection of local activities where participants can be sure of a friendly welcome and get active with other like-minded females. Sessions include girls' boxing, basketball, Zumba, fitness bootcamps, Beatball, dance, hockey, running, cycling and more. Visit the website and follow @SportCardiff_WG on Twitter.
Bristol Girls Can: Part of Sport England's famous #ThisGirlCan campaign, Bristol Girls Can aims to break down the familiar barriers around exercise to get girls and women in the city active. Activities include mums and daughters' football sessions, skateboarding, roller derby, pole dancing and basketball. Visit the website and follow @BristolGirlsCan on Twitter.
Girls On The Move: An award-winning football development programme that empowers girls and young women through sport, mentoring and education. All aspects of the programme aim to build self-esteem, confidence and life skills in a fun and inclusive environment. Visit the website and follow @Goals4girlsUK on Twitter.
Leeds Rhinos Netball: A new venture reinvigorating netball in Yorkshire with training hubs, academies, camps and workshops for girls of all ages, ability and potential. Visit the website and follow @rhinosnetball on Twitter.
Getting Out For Good: Partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University, the project engages at-risk girls and young women in sport, arts and mentoring. Activities build resilience, wellbeing, fitness and creativity and give each participant a support network they may previously have lacked. Follow @GG04G on Twitter.
