Sportsister chats to Nicola Adams about Us Girls

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Us Girls is an initiative which has successfully engaged over 34,000 young women from disadvantaged areas in England helping them to discover sport and become more active.

With the support of government funding and volunteers, the scheme is able to provide fitness and sport opportunities through events such as their Us Girls Rocks Festivals, creating a fun and friendly environment in which to discover, learn and try a whole heap of new activities, oh and make a few new friends too!

We chatted to their president Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams as she led the celebrations for the Us Girls’ two year anniversary at the House of Commons.

Why did you get involved with Us Girls?

It was something that fit just with me. Being able to inspire girls to get involved with sport and try something new. I just really wanted to be a part of it.

When you first started out in boxing was there any help to support you or was it a struggle?

There weren’t many communities that did different sports, there wasn’t a set up like this at all and I think it’s really good to have the events like the Festivals for girls to try out different sports and see which ones are for them.

Luckily for me I took to boxing straight away, but boxing may never have been my thing so I don’t know what I would have done otherwise.

With the help of Us Girls have you tried other sports that you’ve found you’ve liked?

There have been a few sports that I’ve been able to try out. I’ve tried fencing and really enjoyed it and nearly beat Clare Bennett (former GB fencer)! You never know, if there was an organisation like this when I was younger then maybe I could have been a fencer!

Following your Olympic success and now as President of Us Girls, do you notice that more girls want to get involved with sport?

I’ve definitely noticed that. There are so many young girls that message me on Twitter saying I’ve just taken up boxing today because of you! And I got to meet a 12 year old girl the other day who said she took up boxing because of seeing me at the Games and is now having her first fight in a few months.

It’s absolutely amazing to think that I’m a role model for sport and that someone has taken it up because me. I think it’s fantastic.

Why do you think it’s important for young women to get involved with sport?

Keeping fit and active is obviously so important for health reasons, but it’s so much more than just sport, it’s teamwork, confidence and social skills too.

I’ve been able to go to events and stand up in front of a lot of people which can be so nerve-racking, but through sport, I’ve developed my confidence and now I don’t see it as a problem.

So what’s next for you and Us Girls?

I’m hoping to help out with a few more events and continue to encourage more girls to get involved with sport. And I try to get them into all sports, not just boxing! I realise not everyone will enjoy my sport, but I tried fencing and basketball and loved it.

If I can inspire the girls to try a little bit of something and they can find a sport or activity that they will like then I’ll be happy!

If you want to get involved visit their website for more info, or follow them on Twitter @UsGirlsTweet and show your support #girlstimetomakeithappen

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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