Places Leisure is launching the Big Sister scheme across its 100 English centres to boost girls' sports participation.

The initiative aims to inspire young girls, aged nine to 15, by providing them with 'Big Sisters'. These figureheads are from sports, educational, and community backgrounds and are equipped to address the emotional and physical challenges girls face during puberty.

Set to roll out nationally on August 5, the scheme even includes free or half-price memberships at Places Leisure centres, including Romsey Rapids.

These allow access to gyms, swimming, suitable classes, and community engagement.

Research by Women in Sport disclosed that judgement deters six out of ten girls from physical activity and 43 per cent of formerly sporty girls lose their passion in their teenage years.

However, a collaborative pilot between Places Leisure and Women in Sport in 2022 resulted in 64 per cent of engaged girls now relishing sport and exercise, and 62 per cent reported uplifted confidence.

Sarah Roberts, head of fitness at Places Leisure, said: "We have learnt so much about preconceptions and barriers in place when looking to engage girls going through puberty into activity.

“Inequality also remains huge for women in sport and we want to do all we can to break these barriers down at and early age and make sure girls feel comfortable and confident in places of exercise.

“The Big Sister project is game-changing as we will support any girl aged 9-15 years old with their own local ambassador who will champion the benefits and enjoyment of sport, exercise and physical activity to girls and support them into making it a part of their life. Crucially, the programme is shaped by girls, for girls and provides those we support with real role models who have faced the same challenges they do."

Stephanie Hilborne, Women in Sport CEO, said: “Thanks to the commitment and dedication of Places Leisure, thousands of girls across the UK will have the opportunity to access gyms, pools and sport while being properly supported to do so. Big Sister has debunked the myth that teenage girls are naturally averse to exercise."