Grace Stirling

Name: Grace Stirling

How long have you been a FFG tutor? 2 years

What do you do day to day?

I am in my final year studying Sport Studies at the University of Stirling.  I work with Scottish Disability Sport as a tutor delivering their disability inclusion training courses and just recently finished 2 amazing years on the sportscotland Young People’s Sport Panel. 

I enjoy volunteering and currently volunteer as a coach at my local boccia club and at local multi-sport sessions.  I am very passionate about women in sport so my friend and I set up our own podcast Our Voice. Our Story. which aims to celebrate, empower and inspire females in sport.  I enjoy public speaking and often attend events as an advocate for inclusion in sport.

What sport(s) do you participate in? 

I used to be a competitive para-swimmer but now I swim for fun to keep fit.  Previously I have participated in horse riding, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair curling.

Do you have any female role models?

Ellie Simmonds was one of the people who inspired me to get involved in sport.  She reached her goals at such a young age and encouraged people to strive for their dreams.  Since she has retired, she has continued to be a voice for disability sport.  Her hard work, dedication and success is inspiring to so many.  Sport has given so much to her, but she has given back even more.  She has genuinely made a difference in the world of sport.

I am also lucky to be surrounded by so many female role models in my life both within sport and in general life – it would not be fair to name just one!  I am forever thankful for the impact they have had on my life, and they continue to inspire me every day.

Why did you want to join the Fit For Girls programme? 

I wanted to become a Fit for Girls tutor to have the opportunity to give back to sport and inspire the future generation of women.  Sport has given me so many opportunities and I wanted to have a role in providing positive, inclusive and meaningful opportunities for girls to engage in sport.  From taking part in sport and physical activity, I have experienced so many different things that I wouldn’t have thought possible.  I wanted to show girls that with dedication, hard work, and a love for what they do, they are capable of achieving anything.

Sport hasn’t always been easy or positive for me and my past experiences in sport motivate me to create the change I want to see and be the role model I never had when I was younger.  I wanted to empower girls to feel confident, to feel like they have a voice and feel like they can genuinely make a difference in their community and beyond.  My goal was to create a space where girls feel heard, supported, and encouraged. I believe it's crucial for young girls to have the opportunity to design and develop projects and skills that they can apply in their own communities, showing them that they have the power to impact those around them. 

What have you learned so far?

My experience with Fit for Girls has been truly life changing. I've gained an understanding of the power of providing girls with a platform to speak up and how profoundly it can affect their lives. I've realised that I can be the one to offer them that opportunity. I've witnessed firsthand how consultation can positively impact young people and how peer-to-peer delivery can make a real difference for the girls we work with. This approach should be embraced across all sporting opportunities.

I've developed valuable skills in presenting and facilitation, which will continue to benefit me throughout my life.  I've learned that while there are many positive stories about women and girls in sport, there's still a long way to go in helping them overcome barriers and find their place within sport. This is why programs like Fit for Girls are so essential – they help us truly understand and address the unique needs of the girls we work with.  Fit for Girls has given me the platform to use my voice to educate and inspire others, helping me realize the impact I can have on the world of sport.

The opportunities I've had as a tutor far exceeded my expectations, and through this experience, I’ve become more confident, and I've gained a clearer vision of my future. It has undoubtedly opened many doors for me.

What is your advice for girls who want to get involved in sport?

There is a space for every girl to belong in sport.  Don’t give up on finding it.  Embrace every opportunity that comes your way!