Girls, you can get fit with a friend and try a new sport during ‘This KU Girl Can' week at Kingston University (7–13 November 2016)

Posted Thursday 3 November 2016

Whether you are curious to try an activity, want to inspire a friend to get more active or simply want to meet people, there is a jam-packed timetable during 'This KU Girl Can' week from 7–13 November where Kingston University female students and staff can have fun and get fit for free.

Following last year's successful launch campaign, Kingston University is once again working to help narrow the gender gap between the number of men and women who are physically active. Just for girls, the focus week is organised by the Student Wellbeing team in partnership with Sport England, and its nationwide campaign 'This Girl Can', to get women and girls moving, regardless of shape, size and ability.

The initiative was developed following research by Sport England that revealed that fewer women than men work out or play sport regularly – that accounts for two million 14–40 year olds in 2015. Despite this, 75 per cent said they want to be more active. Positive progress has been made on a national level, with a decrease of 12.5% (250,000 people) in the gender gap in the last year.

Sports development manager Jo Heath, is encouraging Kingston University girls to attend the events on campus and in the local Kingston area, "The health benefits from doing regular exercise are endless both physically and mentally. We want KU girls to be the 'girl that can' and encourage their friends to join them," she said. "There's no need to be athletic, have previous experience or know the rules of the sport."

If it has been a while since you've picked up a racket, Touch Tennis which is played on a reduced-size court with foam balls and kids' racquets may be just the activity for you. For city girls on the move, Urban Golf at Penrhyn Road reception is a playful daytime diversion. Or if team sports appeal to you, show that sisters can do it for themselves by joining in at the netball or basketball sessions. No need to book or to be sporty. Just bring along your enthusiasm.

If you like to dance there's even a DDMix class – a dance-based workout class devised by former prima ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell ­– led by a DDMIX class instructor on Monday from 1.00pm–2.00pm which is open to the public. Why not bring along your mum, sister, cousin or friends and dance like no one is watching?

Female students and staff are encouraged to check out the timetable for 'This KU Girl Can' week, pop your sports gear in your bag, buddy up with a classmate or friend and just turn up.

• For more information on 'This KU Girl Can' week contact the Student Wellbeing Group at +44 (0)20 8417 2413 or email us.

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