Eight teenage girls have been selected to form the NSW Government’s first Teenage Advisory Committee, as part of the State’s Play Her Way Strategy.
The teenage girls – who range in age from 16 to 19 – were chosen following a statewide process to identify a group who could be a voice on some of the biggest issues affecting young women in sport.
The Play Her Way Strategy is a four-year plan to get more NSW women and girls involved and staying in sport. Play Her Way has a focus on addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls after research found a 23% gap in participation rates among boys and girls aged 15-17 in NSW.
“The Teenage Advisory Committee is a fresh approach for the way government develops sporting programs for women and girls. It flips the script by letting women and girls control their destiny and determine how they play sport,” said Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.
“The committee members come from a range of backgrounds, experiences and locations to represent the voices of teenage girls aged 16–20.
“By giving them a voice, we’re providing a platform to create, advise and inspire change in sport for teenage girls.
“The Teenage Advisory Committee will shape initiatives that increase participation and retention across NSW.
“Through the Teenage Advisory Committee, Play Her Way is delivering on what it says: ensuring every woman and girl in NSW can play sport her way.”
Teenage Advisory Committee Member Matilda Webb, 16, from Bella Vista said she was excited to be chosen to work on a strategy and government program to help empower girls and women in sport.
“Hearing all the diverse voices in the group, it really highlighted that there are common themes that we all value in sport,” she said.
“There are so many opportunities for girls in sport right now, whether they are playing or whether they are looking for a job working in the sports industry – it’s a really exciting time,” said Teenage Advisory Committee Member Sadida Wilson, 18, from the Central Coast.
“I’m most excited to be able to contribute to offering better and more positive experiences for girls in sport,” said fellow member Jasmine Patankar, 18, from Kellyville.
“I’m involved in coaching, so to be able to see the opportunities and experiences the girls I coach are wanting to have, and to be able to have a positive impact on that, will be really cool.”
The Teenage Advisory Committee will provide advice to the NSW Government on how to break down the barriers preventing teenage girls participating in sport and propose new and innovative ways to keep teenage girls involved.
