Oasis is underpinned by the core values of inclusion, with a mission to provide exceptional education, recognise remarkable people and build strong communities.  The role of women and girls' sports in Oasis Community Learning has never been more significant. As a trust driven by ‘A passion to include’, we recognise that participation in sports is beneficial for physical health and empowers young women and girls to break down societal barriers.

Our sports programmes and curriculum within Oasis Community Learning play a crucial role in shaping the future of young women, offering  opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and resilience. Here’s why women and girls' sports are essential to our Oasis ethos, creating a more equal and inclusive educational landscape.

1. Promoting Gender Equality

Women and girls' sports promote gender equality. Historically, women have been underrepresented in sports, receiving fewer opportunities, funding, and recognition compared to men. Oasis seeks to rectify these disparities by ensuring girls have access to the same sports opportunities as boys. Within our KS3 curriculum, sports are not divided by gender but grouped based on skill.  This challenges outdated stereotypes and demonstrate that sports are for everyone. By offering equal opportunities, we foster an environment where young girls can experience the same benefits of sports as boys, such as teamwork, discipline, and confidence, helping them fulfil their God-given potential.

During HerStory Month in 2024, Southampton Ladies Football Club’s coach, Marianne Spacey-Cale gave an interview with Oasis and when talking about her childhood aspirations to play professional football, she said ‘Every barrier, I saw as an opportunity, the more people told me it couldn’t happen, the more I decided it would’.

2. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Engaging in sports profoundly impacts the mental and emotional development of young people, and girls are no exception. In our inclusive Oasis environment, girls who participate in sports see their abilities improve, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals—experiences that significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem. Physical activity helps combat negative body image issues, promoting positive self-perception. Encouraging girls to pursue sports helps them gain a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, translating to other areas of their lives, including academic performance and future career ambitions.

3. Encouraging Leadership and Teamwork

Our sports programmes are excellent platforms for developing leadership skills and fostering teamwork. During HerStory Month 2024, we enjoyed a range of opportunities for our female students to coach their teachers in various sports skills. At Oasis Oldham, this became a coaching session led by our Year 9 netball team, followed by a staff vs students match (the students won!). When young girls participate in team sports, they learn how to collaborate, communicate, and motivate others—valuable skills that extend beyond the playing field. Girls who take on leadership roles in sports gain experience that builds their leadership potential in all walks of life. These experiences contribute to the development of future leaders who can help shape more inclusive and equitable local and global communities

4. Providing Opportunities for Social Inclusion

Sports bring communities together, and for girls, this can be especially impactful in environments where they may not always feel included or valued. By participating in sports, girls from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses can interact, form bonds, and feel a sense of belonging. Creating spaces for girls to engage in sports without fear of exclusion can bridge divides, create friendships, and provide a platform for sharing experiences and understanding. This helps build an inclusive academy culture where everyone, feels seen and empowered to pursue their passions and interests.

5. Challenging Stereotypes and Empowering Women

Women and girls in sports are powerful role models for younger generations. As female athletes rise to the top of their fields, they shatter long-standing stereotypes about women’s physical abilities and roles in society. By investing in women and girls’ sports, Oasis Academies can create a legacy of powerful women who inspire future leaders, athletes, and professionals. This visibility is crucial in challenging and dismantling the notion that women are less capable or deserving of recognition in the sporting world.

6. Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Sports provide significant physical and mental health benefits. Regular physical activity is essential in combating sedentary lifestyles, particularly among young people. For girls, sports offer a way to stay active, improve fitness, and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. Exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and stress. For girls, physical activity can serve as a powerful tool for mental clarity and emotional resilience, especially in the face of societal pressures.

7. Breaking Down Barriers and Providing Equal Opportunities

By supporting women and girls’ sports, Oasis plays a critical role in dismantling the barriers that prevent young women from pursuing sports. These obstacles can include a lack of access to facilities, inadequate coaching, cultural attitudes, and the absence of female role models in sports. By prioritising sports for girls, Oasis Academies ensure that girls have the resources and opportunities to succeed. This approach not only leads to higher participation rates and boosts the visibility of women’s sports, providing more opportunities for girls to excel at all levels.

Conclusion

The commitment to women and girls' sports in Oasis Academies is crucial for developing stronger communities. By offering girls the chance to participate in sports, we provide them with more than just physical exercise; we equip them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to break down barriers and contribute to a more inclusive world. Supporting women and girls in sports, promotes a culture of equality, empowerment, and opportunity for all, where all girls can achieve their God-given potential.