21 December 2011 | Tennis Victoria

Eight schools in regional Victoria, working with researchers from the University of Ballarat and Victoria University, have piloted a new school and community program during 2011 to promote and maintain participation in sport and physical activity among adolescent girls.

The program is known as Triple G: Girls Get Going in tennis, in football (soccer) and at the YMCA. It introduced tennis coaches, football coaches, and YMCA instructors into physical education classes for Year 7 – 9 secondary girls.

These classes were then linked to an eight week after-school program offered specifically for female students by local clubs and YMCAs.

“The program has been very exciting and innovative – linking community sport and physical activity providers with PE classes,” Meghan Casey, study co-ordinator at the University of Ballarat’s School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, said.

“Students have been introduced to a range of sport and recreation activities and their local providers in the community through their school physical education classes.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of physical education teachers and community coaches and instructions has been inspiring throughout the project. They have worked hard to implement programs that match the interests and needs of girls in our regional communities.”

Hugh Delahunty, Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, saw the program in action today at Horsham College.

“Research shows that children and teenagers who are involved in sport and recreation in their youth are more likely to continue physical activity well into their adult years,” Mr Delahunty said.

“One of my keys objectives is to encourage people to be more active and promoting physical activity to young people is important for developing healthy lifestyles now and maintaining them into the future. I congratulate everyone involved in this pilot program for their efforts.”

Development, delivery and evaluation of the Triple G program was funded by an Australian Research Council grant, with industry support and supplementary funding from the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Sport and Recreation Victoria, Tennis Victoria, Football Federation of Victoria, YMCA Victoria, and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.