Monday 31-10-2016 - 15:17

As part of This Girl Can week, we spoke to some of the incredible women involved in sport at the University of Bristol, to find out what sport means to them.

 

Ellie Hillier, Ladies Lacrosse

Q: Why is sport and activity important to you?

Being fit and healthy is really important. Participating in sport gives you that competitive nature that is so important in life, and playing in a team is amazing. You have the team morale, plus it gets you involved with a whole bunch of people so you can make more friends.

Q: Why do you think the ‘this girl can campaign’ is important and why do you think there is low rates of women participation in sport?

If you go onto a sport page it will be dominated by male sport, but ‘this girl can’ is helping to change that. I think in general male dominance in sport prevents a lot of girls from taking part because they’re worried about how other people will perceive them.

Q: If you could tell somebody who was thinking getting involved with university sport one thing, what would you say to them?

Do it because you make a lot of friends. Plus you'll get to represent your university which is quite an honour.

 

 

Hannah Bray, Ladies Lascrosse

Q: How did you get into lacrosse and why?

I started playing lacrosse during secondary school, so I’ve been playing it for about ten years now.  I think it’s amazing because there is such morale and you get to know so many different people. Being involved in team sport is great for strengthening character.

Q: Do you think there is a lack of opportunity for women to be involved in sport?

I think, not a lack of, but perhaps fewer opportunities than there are for men. A lot of the time men are perceived as better at or more involved in sport and I think it is so crucial that both men and women are equal in that respect, and are given equal opportunities to perform at high standards so there is no such difference between the two genders.

Q: If you could tell somebody who was thinking getting involved with university sport one thing, what would you say to them?

It is brilliant  to be part of a team, especially at university as it’s such an amazing way to get to know people. It’s a great and fun way to integrate yourself into university, so I 100% recommend doing it!

 

 

Grace Andrews, Ultimate

Q: What sport do you play and how did you get into it?

I play ultimate Frisbee.  I’d never played before university. I didn’t really do any sports at school, but I knew that I wanted to start playing a sport at uni and so I joined ultimate Frisbee.

Q: If you could tell somebody that was getting involved with university sport one thing, what would you say to them?

Even if you’ve never played a sport before it doesn’t matter as there’s so many different sports, things like ultimate frisbee, that aren’t  done in secondary schools that you can do at university and everyone starts at the same level. Just pick one and go for it, get involved, try it out. I’m sure there’s something that you’ll love.

Q: Why is sport and activity important to you?

It is something that really helps me in keeping myself healthy and fit, I’m not just accountable to myself, I’m accountable to my teammates so, it’s just that extra boost for me. There are so many opportunities to get involved with the team and have that team culture where you can hang out but also have a great time on the pitch.

 

Lauren Ashley, Badminton

Q: What sport do you play and how did you get into it?

I play Badminton at county level. I got into it at junior school when the local coach came in to take some sessions.

Q: Why is sport and activity important to you?

Sport, as well as being a great way to keep fit, is a great way to meet people and make friends both in and out of University.

Q: Why do you think This Girl Can is important?

This Girl Can is an important initiative to get girls into sport as well as encouraging those already interested to keep playing. Physical activity is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle and a great way to improve confidence.

Q: If you could tell someone thinking about getting involved in Bristol University Sport or activity one thing what would you say?

There are some great opportunities to get involved throughout the year. If you want to try a new sport go to a get active session, join an intramural team or contact the university club themselves. They are all really keen to get people involved in their sport.

 

 

Kate Wyver, Volleyball

Q: Why is sport and activity generally important to you?

As well as all the health and fitness benefits, it just makes me feel so good after exercising and you feel proud to look back and say, I did this or I achieved that.

Q: Why do you think the ‘this girl can campaign’ is important?

Sport is such a key thing in empowering young girls, especially when so many young girls are so self-conscious and compare themselves to others or feel inferior. Doing a sport can help them realise how strong they are and make them see how much potential they have, and it gives them new friends and more activities to do.

Q: Why do you think women are less likely to be involved in sports or physical activity?

I think fear of failure or fear of not being strong enough or good enough is a really prominent feeling in young women. They don’t want to be embarrassed. 

 

 

Grace Youell, Basketball

Q: What sport do you play and how did you get into it?

I’ve played basketball since I was 14. I played for both school and clubs. I was actually a competitive regional swimmer before I came to uni, but I tried out for both when I arrived and decided that basketball is where I belong.

Q: Why do you think the ‘this girl can campaign’ is important and why do you think there is low rates of women participation in sport?

I think primarily it is just realising exactly what it says: we can. I know so many girls at this university and others who have achieved so much through sport, and it shows that at every level you can make a real difference and improve. It can change your life on every level.

I think primarily people are worried about what others think. A lot of my friends who don’t play sport worry they won’t be good enough, or everyone in the class will be better. I think that’s a problem regardless of gender, but especially for women. That feeling stops them getting involved, and there is less participation and things offered to them.