M-PWR All Girls Club: Empowering Teen Girls in Ovenden

The M-PWR All Girls Club has been a great success in Ovenden, with 30 teenage girls attending the fully booked programme over three days in August. The club was created to empower young girls, encouraging them to develop an interest in physical activity in a safe, welcoming space within their local community. It also supported them in building confidence, improving body image, and forming healthy friendships.

Why Was the M-PWR All Girls Club Needed?

Research highlights that girls in their teenage years are less physically active due to a range of factors. Puberty, periods, body image concerns, and insecurities about their changing bodies can make physical activity seem daunting. Other challenges include inactive role models, peer pressure, a lack of energy due to unhealthy lifestyles, and embarrassment about not having the right clothing or looking ‘silly’ when exercising.

To ensure the club addressed these issues, Nurturing Creativity met with a group of teenage girls from Newground Together Youth Club at Forest Cottage in Ovenden. Their feedback helped shape a programme that catered to their needs and interests. Together with PWR Fitness, Nurturing Creativity delivered the All Girls Club during the August summer holidays.

What the Programme Involved

The 3-day programme offered an exciting introduction to CrossFit, teaching the girls how to safely lift weights and engage in circuit-based workouts. Workshops on nutrition, strength and functional fitness, mental health, and the menstrual cycle were also part of the mix. Additionally, participants received one-on-one support from a female mentor and enjoyed a healthy lunch each day.

On the first day, 30 girls turned up with a mix of excitement and nerves, and by day three, 26 girls (87%) were still participating. The small drop-off was due to factors like injury, holidays, and transport issues.

Continuing the Journey

As a result of the success of the All Girls Club, PWR Fitness now runs youth sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, offering discounted rates to encourage the girls to continue developing their interest in CrossFit. Nurturing Creativity also offers volunteering opportunities for those interested in further developing their skills and confidence.

By the end of the programme, the girls left with a newfound sense of confidence, armed with the knowledge they gained and the relationships they formed with their peers and gym staff. This has helped them feel comfortable attending future gym sessions.

Kirilea Whitehead, Director of Nurturing Creativity, explained the lasting impact:

“If the girls are given the opportunity to break down barriers with fitness, develop confidence, and an interest in keeping fit, they will go on to find exercise or sports that excite them. Our role is to encourage them to seek out fitness activities that interest them, and we will signpost them to services within the local area.”

What the Girls Had to Say

The feedback from the girls who attended was overwhelmingly positive:

“I joined the programme to get out of bed during the holidays, and it gave me something new to do. It’s fun, and it’s challenging. It’s helped my confidence, especially in unknown situations. My favourite part was learning about weightlifting and making new friends.”

“I came because it was something to do in the holidays, and it stopped me from getting bored. It got me out of bed!”

“I liked the weightlifting – I would never have done this otherwise.”

“I’ve made lots of new friends.”

“It’s helped me feel confident to do something like this again, and I would recommend it to others!”

A Story of Change

One particularly inspiring story came from a girl diagnosed with a heart condition, who joined with some hesitation and brought a friend along for support. As she attended the sessions, she opened up more and shared her dream of becoming a PE teacher. She was determined to improve her fitness and took on board everything she learned, even taking notes to remember key points.

Although mindful of her heart condition, she pushed herself and worked hard in the physical sessions. After conversations with the organisers, she expressed interest in volunteering in future projects, specifically helping out with primary school children at sports sessions—taking her one step closer to her goal of becoming a PE teacher.

The Future of M-PWR All Girls Club

The success of the M-PWR All Girls Club is clear, and the benefits go beyond physical activity. With youth sessions continuing at PWR Fitness and volunteer opportunities offered by Nurturing Creativity, the girls have a bright future ahead as they continue to build confidence, skills, and a lasting interest in fitness.

This programme proves that with the right support, teenage girls can overcome barriers, break stereotypes, and become empowered through physical activity—building a healthier and more confident future for themselves.