Making the First Step into Sport Easier

The initiative connects girls with local sporting clubs in familiar and welcoming environments, making it easier to try new sports, learn new skills and explore opportunities to get involved.

Port Sports for Girls was established to make sport more accessible and visible for girls, while helping families discover the range of opportunities available close to home. By bringing multiple clubs together, the initiative removes some of the barriers that can make it difficult for girls to take that first step into community sport.

Port Sports for Girls founder Victoria Mackey said the concept is intentionally simple.

"Port Sports for Girls is based on such a simple idea, instead of asking girls to find their way into sporting clubs, we bring the clubs to them. It creates a space where girls can come along with their friends, feel safe and comfortable, and have the freedom to try different team sports without any pressure or expectation. Sometimes, all it takes is making that first step a little easier."

Girls had the chance to experience a range of sporting activities, meet club representatives and learn more about local pathways into sport. The initiative also highlights the commitment of local clubs to creating inclusive environments where girls can build confidence, develop skills and form lasting connections.

Positive feedback from participants, families and clubs continues to highlight the value of bringing sport directly to girls and making that first connection with community sport a little easier.

For information about local sporting opportunities for girls, visit the City of Port Phillip's Get Active webpage.