Summer of Sports 2024
Empowering young Black girls aged 15-18 through sports, movement and play!
Video credit: Coco Shaw
During the summer of 2024, our team conducted research on how young Black girls engage in sports, fitness, and movement. We discovered that only 36% of Black girls in England* are meeting the recommended activity levels. Additionally, the percentage of Black girls who enjoy physical activity has dropped from 50% to 39% over the past five years.
These statistics paint a clear picture of the growing barriers that Black girls face in accessing and enjoying physical activities. Whether it’s due to lack of resources and accessibility, societal pressures, or limited opportunities, it's evident that more needs to be done to support young Black girls in engaging in sports.
Photography by Hannah Faith Oni, Delika Studios
Introducing 'Summer of Sports'
To address these challenges, we launched 'Summer of Sports,' a dynamic project designed to empower Black girls aged 15-18 through sports, movement, and play. Inspiring confidence, building community, and motivating Black girls to get active.
'Summer of Sports' kicked off with a series of events aimed at breaking down the barriers that prevent Black girls from participating in sports. Many of the girls who participated reported a renewed interest in physical activity and gained invaluable skills in teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence - skills that will serve them well both on and off the field.
“I’m not much of a runner but it got me out of my comfort zone and the coaches made it an enjoyable experience”
Keep It Movin’
A one-day creative programme for young Black girls to get active!
On Saturday 10th August, we curated a host of experiences focussing on four key sporting activities; movement, basketball, roller skating and yoga. We engaged over 60 of the least active Black girls in a series of workshops that focused not only on physical activity but also on self-development and wellness.
We brought together inspiring role models and expert coaches such as Alice Dearing, Letitia Wright, Nadine Mills and many more to dive into their career journeys and offer our community the chance to learn from their experiences.
“I enjoyed it a lot, especially as someone who isn’t usually enthusiastic about sports, but I met some inspiring people and made new friends. I think every black girl my age should do something like this.”
BGF x Somerset House - Move Well
On Sunday 11th August, we teamed up with Somerset House to take over the iconic courtyard to host an afternoon of breath work, movement and dance.
The free afternoon kicked off with a rejuvenating breath work and movement session led by Jasmine Douglas, founder of Babes on Waves Club and Busy Babes.
Followed by an energizing dance workshop led by renowned choreographer and fitness expert, Natalie Lawrensky, where participants cultivated strength, endurance, and self-confidence. The afternoon brought together an uplifting community, inspiring everyone to move and feel empowered!
Stay tuned for more updates on our 'Summer of Sports' project, inspiring the next generation - one movement at a time.
* Sport England Children and Young People Survey 2022-23
