“Being active is an amazing gift, lets share it”
Aileen came up with the ‘Girls in sport’ idea during lockdown after watching a video ‘girls in sport’ week which highlighted how difficult it can be for girls and young women to feel confident enough to workout.
We caught up with Aileen on her project below, where you can find out more about how it started, the biggest challenges they have faced and some handy tips if you’re looking to launch your own Kit for All initiative.
Can you tell us a little bit about Girls in sport and how it started?
“Our local area has very mixed income, there is quite a lot of poverty, some of it is not obvious but after conversations with Highlife Highland it became clear that this was more common that I realised with some youngsters missing gym class because they don’t have the right kit”.
“It is a battle to feel happy in our own bodies and finding clothes which make us feel confident is key to getting active. That comes at an expense, especially when all brands sizing varies and fits differently. Finding those ‘unicorn’ leggings can make the difference between getting involved in a sport or hiding in the bathrooms”.
What do you enjoy most about Girls in sport?
Aileen says the most rewarding part about this initiative is seeing the look on someone's face when they realise that they can take a pair of trainers or leggings for free.
“To some people that is a huge barrier to working out as the trainers could cost the same as their weekly shop. Just giving someone the opportunity to even pick a style of leggings is amazing, they might ask for any leggings t-shirt and you say well what colour do you like? Does this look like something you would wear? Or would you prefer this? Giving them that choice is a great feeling. I love picking a whole outfit for someone”.
Overcoming challenges and stigma
The biggest challenge for Girls in sport has been how to get the amazing items that have been donated to the people who need it.
One problem they have faced is how to make all this kit visible to people and although they have a Facebook page with items pictured individually this hasn’t worked as well as they hoped.
“Having a stall in the Averon Centre (they have been so accommodating letting us use their space) is absolutely the way to go, and when we do manage to set this up it creates such a buzz, and more people contact us looking for items. unfortunately, there is only me and Karla Urquhart to set that up and with us both working it doesn’t happen as often as we would like.”
Another stumbling block they have encountered is how to make the kit look okay to use. “The best way forward was to make it available to everyone, the kit is very varied, the youngsters want shorts, black leggings, and t-shirts but we have lots of colours and patterns of leggings, skorts, vests and t-shirts, so the best way to make this fluid and move in and out is to encourage everyone to make use if it. This removes the stigma, and everyone can try something different and the ones that already have stuff then donate back”.
Aileen says she is still working on the best way to speak to people when they visit the Averon Centre which can be difficult as there are people who can afford items, so don’t want to take from someone who needs it but says “the best way to keep the sports bank fresh is to have everyone using and then in turn donating”.
What feedback have you received from Girls in sport?
“All feedback we have received has been positive, it is amazing to see someone heading to the gym in something they have picked up. Feedback from social media/BBC Alba and anyone who has picked up on the initiative has been great”.
What advice would you give to others looking to start a similar initiative?
“Don’t overthink it and don’t worry about donations they will come in thick and fast; the hardest part is making it useable, being able to show the items, some of them are used and maybe even well loved but others have been worn once if at all. If there is a need in your area and you have a little time and a little help it is such a rewarding thing to do”.
“Being active is even more important these days as it can have a huge impact on someone's mental health. Imagine being that person sitting inside looking out and being afraid to join that running group, bootcamp, or gym class because you feel like you might stand out because you cannot afford the right clothes. Being active is an amazing gift, lets share it”.
Find out more
Follow girlsinsport on Facebook <link: (3) Girls in Sport | Facebook>
Alness Active Schools on Facebook <link: (3) Alness Active Schools | Facebook>