A campaign has been launched in the district to encourage women and girls to be more physically active.

Mansfield Girls Can is part of a nationwide Sport England campaign called This Girl Can which aims to get women and girls moving, regardless of shape, size and ability.

The local campaign is being co-ordinated by Mansfield District Council, Sport Nottinghamshire and Mansfield District Leisure Trust and is due to be launched on Thursday, 21st September in Titchfield Park, Mansfield, from 11am to 6.30pm.

Research by Sport England revealed that two million fewer women than men, aged 14 to 40, play sport regularly. Despite this, 75% say they want to be more active.

Many women – of all ages – cited a fear of judgement on appearance, ability or how they chose to spend time on themselves, as their main deterrent from exercising.

The findings were the driving force behind the campaign’s creation, which aims to empower women and encourage more to take up sport or some kind of physical activity.

A variety of activities will be on offer at the campaign launch, including tennis, a buggy walk for mums with young children, workouts on the park gym equipment and pétanque.

Mansfield Leisure Trust, which runs the district’s leisure centres, will also be putting on outdoor gym sessions, boxercise and walking football. It is also offering free swimming passes at the event.

No special kit is needed and the event will be suitable for all ages.

The event is also being used as an opportunity to consult with women over what barriers the feel they face in becoming more active and what could help encourage them off the couch and into the gym, on to a bike, into a swimming pool or simply climbing a hill in the countryside.

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Wellbeing, said: “There will be lots of activities available so come along and have a go! You are never too old or too young to get more exercise.

“It has such enormous benefits for both body and soul because let’s not forget that exercise, as well as being good for the body, is just as good for the mind, and can even help reduce the risk of developing illnesses like dementia.”

For more information see www.mansfield.gov.uk/mansfieldgirlscan or contact the council’s Leisure Development team at [email protected] or call 01623 463470. Details can also be found on the campaign’s Facebook page @ThisGirlCanMansfield.