Cardiff Met inspires the Next generation of Girls in Sport

Cardiff Metropolitan University recently welcomed over 170 secondary school girls to campus for the 3^rd annual ArcHERS - Girls in Sport @ Cardiff Met Open Campus, an inspiring, student led event designed to boost confidence, increase participation and raise aspirations among young women in sport and physical activity. 

Delivered through Cardiff Met’s Open Campus model, the event brought together pupils from seven local secondary schools to experience university sport, engage with female role models, and explore future pathways into sport, physical activity and leadership both on and off the field. 

ArcHERS aimed to address key barriers that contribute to the decline in girls’ physical activity, including confidence, self-perception, social pressure and limited understanding of female health. Through a programme of practical sporting sessions, educational workshops and leadership-focused talks, the day created a safe, inclusive environment where girls could move, learn and thrive. 

Student-Led Planning and Delivery 

A defining feature of the ArcHERS event was its student-led organisation, planning and delivery, offering participants an authentic, real-world experience while showcasing Cardiff Met’s commitment to experiential learning. 

Sports Management students Sarah Harrison and Mia Davies led the organisation of the event, driving content development, timetabling, school liaison and on-the-day delivery. Their leadership ensured the smooth coordination of a large-scale event involving multiple schools, activity rotations and academic sessions. 

They were supported by fellow students Alex Plank, Travis Padilla and Oscar Boggs, who played key roles in logistical support, activity delivery and overall event execution. Together, the team demonstrated professionalism, adaptability and strong leadership throughout the day. 

Learning Through Practice: Theory in Action 

The sporting sessions delivered during ArcHERS formed part of a first-year undergraduate module, where students were assessed on their ability to design and deliver inclusive physical activity sessions informed by academic theory. 

Students applied evidence-based concepts relating to female engagement in sport, including confidence, motivation, social identity and perceived competence. Each session was intentionally planned to reduce common barriers to participation and promote enjoyment, autonomy and peer support. 

This approach reflects Cardiff Met’s Open Campus way of working, ensuring students gain meaningful, real-life experience by engaging directly with the local community. Through ArcHERS, students developed the skills, awareness and motivation to become civic-minded graduates, capable of creating positive, lasting impact within their communities. 

Confidence Through Movement 

Throughout the day, pupils rotated through a variety of inclusive and empowering physical activity sessions, including: 

• Multi sport sessions delivered by Sport and Physical Education students 

• HYROX inspired functional fitness sessions led by Met Active 

• Gym familiarisation and strength & conditioning workshops, designed to build confidence in traditionally intimidating spaces  

Each session encouraged positive experiences of movement, challenged stereotypes around female participation, and showed that sport can be accessible, social and empowering. 

Inspiring Leadership and Pathways into Sport 

Alongside the practical sessions, pupils took part in a Sports Management and Leadership talk delivered by Maria Jones, who shared her personal leadership journey and experiences throughout university. 

Maria provided insight into the wide range of opportunities available within sport beyond playing, highlighting pathways into leadership, management and industry roles. Her relatable and honest reflections helped pupils envision themselves in future roles within the sporting sector. 

Championing Female Health in Sport 

A key educational pillar of ArcHERS focused on female health and wellbeing, helping to reduce stigma and empower young women to remain active throughout adolescence. 

Niamh Roach, a Cardiff Met PhD student, led an engaging workshop centred on her research exploring the impact of the menstrual cycle on strength performance. Through education, discussion and practical guidance, Niamh helped participants better understand their bodies and how to manage physical activity across the menstrual cycle. 

The session reflected Cardiff Met’s commitment to advancing female-focused research and ensuring that education, sport and health are aligned in meaningful ways. 

ArcHERS – Girls in Sport was more than a one day event. It demonstrated how student leadership, academic learning and community engagement can combine to deliver meaningful social impact. 

By empowering young girls, addressing critical health topics and providing inclusive sporting experiences, Cardiff Met continues to support long-term participation and confidence in sport. At the same time, ArcHERS provided students with invaluable applied learning, reinforcing the University’s mission to develop socially responsible, community-focused graduates.