Central Coast resident Sadida Wilson is one of eight teenage girls who hold the future of women’s and girls’ sport in their hands after being selected to the NSW Government’s first Teenage Advisory Committee, as part of the Play Her Way Strategy.
Wilson, 18, said it was an exciting time for women and girls in sport.
“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,” she said.
The girls – ranging in ages 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 four-year Play Her Way Strategy plans 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 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.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said it was 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,” he said.
“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.”
