The Newport Live project giving girls the confidence to get active

Creating confidence through familiar faces

Lauren wanted girls across the city to feel more confident about going to the gym or a fitness class at a leisure centre. To help, she introduces the girls to different instructors so they see a friendly, familiar face when they return.

Girls are given gym inductions so they know how to use the equipment safely. And instructors come in to run Zumba, yoga, Body Pump and Pound Fit – so that they know what to expect and feel more comfortable.

Lauren says: “Now, many of the girls have got gym memberships of their own. And the best thing? They know there will always be someone on hand that they trust to support them,”

Building trust and friendship

With a focus on fun, friendship and creating a supportive environment, girls feel free to be themselves, to try new things without fear of judgement or of anyone laughing.

“When I was younger, I didn’t feel confident about going to the gym or trying a new team sport. I didn’t know anyone and what if no one liked me. So, I’ve been in their position,” says Lauren.

It’s not all about sport

From TikTok dance routines to Halloween themes, Lauren and her team have worked hard to make the programme feel fresh and exciting.

The real key to Newport Live’s success is how they’ve tuned into what girls want. Last year, Lauren asked the girls to design their dream Halloween Girls Takeover session. The result? Spooky workout cards and time afterwards to do each other’s Halloween nails. A perfect mix of fitness and fun.

Newport Live doesn’t shy away from mixing music, art, craft and movie afternoons into the programme. These chilled activities help girls feel relaxed and connected, which makes them more likely to come back, try new things, and get active together.

Being flexible and inclusive

Being open-minded and ready to adapt quickly to the needs of individuals has been crucial to the success of the Girls Takeover programme:

“Swimming is one of our most popular activities. But sometimes, we may have girls – who are perhaps new to Girls Takeover – who don’t want to get into the water. We always have a different activity available, like doing a Tik Tok dance routine instead. There’s no pressure. And often a couple of weeks later, they want to jump in the pool with us,” says Lauren.

Listening to girls’ voices

Behind the scenes, Lauren and the team are always gathering feedback so they can tweak and improve things. After every session, they ask:

• How did the session make you feel?
• Are you more likely to try something new after today?
• Which activities did you enjoy?
• Which activity was your favourite?
• Which activities did you not enjoy?
• What did you gain from today?

Girls Takeover isn’t just a name – it’s the reality. Girls lead, create, and boss the activities, from designing their own workouts to shaping the future of the programme.

Lauren says: “The girls lead everything and they love that they have full ownership.”

Leading by example

Remember your PE days when the teacher stood with a whistle in a warm puffer coat while you ran around the hockey pitch? That’s absolutely not the policy at Girls Takeover.

“It’s do as we do, not do as I say,” laughs Lauren. “We join in too – everything we expect the girls to try, we try too. It’s important we set an example. If they’re swimming, I’m swimming. If they’re doing a Tik Tok routine, so am I!”

By getting involved, the staff set a positive example and show that everyone is in it together. It creates a fun, supportive atmosphere where girls feel encouraged to give things a go.

Making different locations available

The cost of transportation is often a barrier, particularly in more deprived communities. That’s why Newport Live make sure Girls Takeover sessions take place in venues right across the city.

Plus, Newport Live has also worked with Newport Bus and now public transport is available from the city centre to the International Sports Village, opening up more sporting opportunities for everyone.

Promoting body positivity

Girls Takeover is about more than fitness. It’s about helping girls feel proud of who they are.

Stronger girls make stronger women

Lauren’s passion is infectious and it’s no wonder that girls keep coming back, time after time:

Lauren says: “We’re not just getting the girls to play badminton or go swimming - we’re building resilience, confidence and independence which the girls can then take into womanhood and become stronger women. And perhaps they can motivate other girls to try new things too – friends, siblings and maybe, one day, their daughters.”

Developing leadership

Over time, as girls become more confident and happy in their own skin, they start to take on leadership roles.

In fact, one girl who started the programme in 2022 is now a paid member of Newport Live staff. 

And a 14-year-old is a Girls Takeover Young Ambassador. She now plays a leading role in the team, helping others to try new things. 

Girls, who started out feeling a bit shy or nervous, are now soaring and taking on leadership roles.

Why It Works

Girls Takeover isn’t about being the best or winning a medal. It’s about confidence, friends and fun. By putting girls’ voices at the heart of the project, the team has created something that feels welcoming for everyone.

What’s next?

Newport Live has already launched an 8-11 Girls Takeover. And it is soon to pilot a 14+ session as a potential way to keep the programme appealing for older girls.

What can you learn from Girls Takeover?

If you’re thinking of running a similar project, here’s what Newport Live’s experience shows:

• Start small, and grow with your community.
• Listen to what participants want – then adapt.
• Empower young people to take ownership.
• Make it social – build friendships, not just fitness.
• Be inclusive – remove barriers like cost or transport.
• Lead by example – join in, don’t just instruct.