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Sports Sisters

Alhamdu Lillah. We are excited to be launching a new sports programme for women and girls!

November 2024 – February 2025

Weekdays 10am 12PM

Our new Sports Sisters pilot programme introduces women and girls to a range of sports and fitness activities to encourage participation of activities to support health, wellbeing and a sense of accomplishment. 

We will be offering two free taster sessions of each sport and activity to allow women to sample different activities and discover what they are most passionate about! This will inform our efforts in building a holistic programme of women’s activities, addressing their needs and interests.

Our project aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where women feel empowered to pursue their fitness goals without cultural or societal barriers. Our sports sessions will take place in a secure and welcoming environment, exclusively for women. We are committed to fostering an Islamic atmosphere that respects and upholds our values, ensuring that all participants feel comfortable and supported.

By tailoring our activities to the interests and preferences of our community, we aim to break down stereotypes and encourage participation from women who may have previously felt marginalised in traditional sports settings. Through our collaborative efforts with trusted partners and facilitators, we seek to not only increase women’s engagement in sports and fitness but also foster lasting relationships and networks within the community. Ultimately, our project endeavours to promote holistic well-being and empowerment among Muslim and South Asian/Minority women, paving the way for a healthier and more active future. 

We are offering free sessions every week for:

  • Strength training
  • Boxing
  • Cycling
  • Cricket
  • Wrestling
  • Kabaddi
  • Walking 

Strength training starts on Tuesday 19th November 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Meet at the Bahu Trust, 17-21 Ombersley Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8UR

To register interest, please fill out this simple form: https://forms.gle/Sg5T2xSyo2Lf5KJc8

Or for further details, please contact Zahra Ahmad: zahraahmad@bahutrust.org

Session Schedule

Sessions running every week, Tuesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm **Dates and times are subject to change

Session scheduleDatesActivity
Week 1 Tuesday 19th November 2024Strength training
Week 2Tuesday 26th November 2024Cycling
Week 3 Tuesday 3rd December 2024Cycling
Week 4Tuesday 10th December 2024TBC
Week 5 Weekend: 14th December 2024Winter walk
Week 6Weekend: 21st December 2024Winter walk
BREAK BREAKBREAK
Week 7 Tuesday 7th January 2025Boxing
Week 8Tuesday 14th January 2025Boxing
Week 9 Tuesday 21st January 2025Wresting and Kabaddi
Week 10Tuesday 28th January 2025Wresting and Kabaddi
Week 11 Tuesday 4th February 2025Wrestling and Kabaddi
Week 12Tuesday 11th February 2025Wresting and Kabaddi
Week 13Tuesday 18th February 2025Cricket
Week 14Tuesday 25th February 2025Cricket 

Strength Training

Strength training, also known as weight training involves physical exercises which are designed to improve physical and core strength. Strength training is primarily related to lifting weights and building confidence and skill with using the strength and power contained within our bodies, and our muscles. This exercise offers us the opportunity to connect with our bodies, and unleash our power. Strength training has a variety of benefits for muscles, ligaments and tendons, increasing strength, bone density, and also supporting cardiac function. Exercises also allow participants to improve their general posture and form, to be able to perform the movements required. Remaining fit and active is important for all ages, and strength training can also reduce risk of injury for elderly people.

Cycling

Cycling is an activity which involves riding a bicycle, and using our strength and ability to power a vehicle. Cycling offers many advantages and can be used for transportation purposes, as well as to keep fit and healthy. Cycling can seem daunting if you are a beginner. However, cycling has been around since the 19th century and has been taken up by adults, young people and children alike for generations. Cycling is an incredibly enjoyable activity which can be taken up independently or in group settings. It can be a great way to get from A to B, maintain regular exercise and reduce your environmental impact through less reliance on cars. Cycling can also improve confidence, self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment. 

Walking

Walking is an easy way to maintain regular exercise which requires less energy and effort as compared to other activities. Walking has many benefits for health and wellbeing, including being proven to improve mental health, focus, concentration and mindfulness. Walking can improve memory skills, learning and cognition, support mood, boost creativity and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help build strength, stamina, and energy and reduce weight. Walking can be a mindful activity and allow one to clear their thoughts, and be present in the act of walking – this can involve taking in the natural environment around you, intentionally observing your surroundings, what you see and pass on your walk, and switching off for a moment, from the stress of everyday life. 

Boxing

Boxing is a martial art which has existed since early human history dating back to Ancient Greece. Globally, there are now many different forms of boxing which are popular around the world including kickboxing and Muay Thai. One of the most famous boxers of all time includes Muhammad Ali, who has been nicknamed “the greatest”. Boxing is a combat sport which involves two people throwing punches at each other for a specific amount of time. It typically involves wearing protective equipment such as boxing gloves and mouth guards to safeguard from injury and harm. As boxing involves forceful, repetitive punching, precautions must be taken to prevent damage to bones in the hand. Therefore, to train and spar without wrist wraps and boxing gloves is not encouraged. 

Although boxing may be considered dangerous, it has many health benefits including the increase of muscle tone, improving bone strength, supporting cardiovascular fitness, building core strength, and developing coordination. It can also be linked to stress relief, building self-esteem and confidence. It is important for women to build resilience, power, and self-confidence to try new things, and support their wellbeing. 

Wrestling

Wrestling is a martial art and combat sport that involves grappling with an opponent and striving to obtain a position of advantage through different techniques. Wrestling is a competitive sport and takes various forms around the world including sumo wrestling and judo. Wrestling can improve strength, agility, balance and flexibility. Wrestling can help boost confidence and self-esteem, and teach focus and discipline. It can also help people learn to face their fears and push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Wrestling can teach important self-defence skills which can be helpful if one encounters a dangerous situation. 

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a contact team sport which originated in India. It involves two teams of seven players. The objective of the game is for a single player to run into the opposing team’s half of the court, touch out as many of their players as possible, and return to their own half of the court, without being tackled by the defenders. Players are taken out of the game if they are touched or tackled.

Kabaddi has recently gained popularity and interest in the UK due to South Asian communities connecting more with the sport especially across the West Midlands. Wolverhampton has been chosen to host the Kabaddi World Cup in 2025 as the first destination outside of Asia to host the event.