Kunsill Malti għall-iSport has launched its popular ‘Girls on the Move’ programme which will start on Monday, 29 November.

This is a 24-week programme designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 16 which offers a variety of sports to choose from, which are held in a safe and supportive environment, for as little as €12!

As can be noted in the sporting field, opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport have increased dramatically over the years. Today they can participate in a wide variety of sports once considered as traditionally male sports such as football, rugby and weightlifting. Through the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme which is aimed at girls aged 9-16, the objective of this programme is to encourage girls to adopt a more active lifestyle and try out a wide variety of sport disciplines.

This year the KMS has been working on expanding the ‘Girls on the Move’ Programme in terms of variety of sports offered as well as identifying different localities in which the programme can be offered.

Girls can now participate in a wider range of physical activities and sports, and the new programme which will commence in November will include Aikido, Aerobics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Handball, Judo, Netball, Pilates, Rugby, Self Defence, Snooker and Volleyball.

Here young girls can come together, develop their physical fitness, cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility and learn the skills and techniques of their chosen sport, and have fun all at the same time.

As with sports participation for all populations, the benefits for girls and women are numerous. The benefits of physical activity are well-understood, and have important implications also for girls. The real and potential benefits that physical activity and sport have to offer are both physical and mental.

Physical Exercise is good for a girl`s body, mind and spirit and offers extra benefits in addition to having fun and getting fit. These include apart from the obvious health benefits reducing the chance of getting breast cancer and developing brittle bones.

A girl practicing sport is less likely to smoke, drink alcohol and take drugs. Studies also state that girls who play sports do much better in school since exercise helps them concentrate and also improves their memory. In addition, playing a sport also builds self-confidence and reduces the chances of having a negative self-esteem.

The programme is suitably designed for girls to choose the discipline they like most. Training is usually held once a week and there are various venues to choose from. All coaches working in the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme are qualified in their respective sport.

The application forms, together with payment, may be sent or handed in to the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, Head Office, Cottonera Sports Complex, Cospicua. The offices are open from Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 12.00pm. Online registration and online payments are also available at www.sportmalta.org.mt. For further information send an e-mail to [email protected]