Following the success of the Year 1 Community Athletics Pilot in Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath, delivered by Street Futures and supported by Zurich Community Trust, Personal Best Foundation is excited to announce that Year 2 will introduce a dedicated girls‑only pilot programme at South Birmingham Central Masjid.
Year 1 Success
The Year 1 pilot was delivered across three local community venues: Clifton Primary School, St Pauls Community Development Trust and South Birmingham Central Masjid. The Masjid played a particularly important role, with parents and coaches highlighting how safe, familiar and culturally appropriate spaces helped overcome barriers that often prevent children from accessing sport outside of school. Children reported high enjoyment, increased confidence and a strong sense of belonging, demonstrating the value of community‑based athletics delivered in trusted environments.
Coaches, families and mosque leaders all identified the need for a dedicated girls‑only offer to ensure young girls could access physical activity in an environment that feels comfortable, inspiring and fun.
Amy Murtagh, Programme Manager at Personal Best Foundation, said:
“We know that too many girls are still missing out on the benefits of being active. Sport England’s latest Active Lives data shows that girls remain less likely to be active than boys, with only around 46% of girls meeting recommended activity levels compared to 52% of boys. In communities where cultural, social or practical barriers can further limit opportunities, it is even more important that provision is designed around the needs of local families.
This new girls‑only Community Hub has been developed in direct response to feedback from SBC Masjid and local families who wanted a safe, welcoming and culturally appropriate environment where girls can take part in athletics. By training local female activators and creating regular opportunities for participation, we hope to build confidence, strengthen connections within the community and inspire a lifelong love of movement. We are incredibly grateful to Zurich Community Trust and to our delivery provider Street Futures for making this possible and are excited to see the impact the programme will have on girls and families across Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath.”
Girls only funectis sessions
Working with Street Futures, Personal Best Foundation has now launched the new girls‑only funetics Community Hub at South Birmingham Central Masjid as part of Year 2 delivery. The 39‑week programme will be delivered by Street Futures and will provide structured athletics sessions for girls from Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath. Sessions will be led by female funetics Activators who have received free training, with the aim to train some additional female leaders from within the mosque community. This approach aims to build long‑term sustainability and ensure girls have relatable role models from within their community. The first few weeks have already been positively received, with almost 20 girls attending sessions.
A representative from South Birmingham Central Masjid said:
“We’re delighted to be part of this programme, which will provide valuable opportunities for children, particularly young girls, who often have fewer opportunities available to them. As a Masjid, we see ourselves as a social hub for the community, and we’re committed to doing whatever we can to provide facilities and opportunities that benefit local children and families.”
The hub will also introduce termly celebration events to maintain motivation and excitement, alongside focus groups to capture girls’ voices and shape future sessions and opportunities.
We will continue to measure participation, confidence, wellbeing and fundamental movement skills - ensuring we make a real impact where it is needed most. With continued support from Zurich Community Trust, this new girls‑only hub will help remove barriers to participation, empower local female leaders and ensure more young girls can move, grow and thrive through the power of athletics.