East Grinstead Sports Council

16/09/2026

Sport Has a big part to play in young people making lasting friendships.

New research shows that the number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014.

The study suggests growing up in a world dominated by austerity, the pandemic and social media is to blame.

The results are bleak, but at Women in Sport we know physical activity has a huge role to play here.

Our Big Sister initiative, which gives girls free or discounted gym memberships and access to girls-only sessions exists to combat loneliness and prevent girls from dropping out of sport in their teenage years.

Of girls who take part, 59% say they are happier and 71% say they have made new friends.

Big Sister is changing lives, but we need your help to continue our important work.

Donate today to help us create a brighter future for the next generation of girls.

You can make a donation here: https://womeninsport.org/take-action/donate/

📊 Source: The Institute for Public Policy Research (2026)

📸 Alliance Football Club

14/09/2026

11/09/2026

Thank goodness Sport England will maintain this vital role.

05/09/2026

Between 12 and 20 September there will be 80 guided and self-guided walks taking place all across the High Weald. Whether you're new to countryside walking, looking for a family-friendly nature walk or a rewarding 13-mile hike, there's something to suit every age, interest and ability. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history and wildlife of the High Weald and meet new friends along the way.

All of the walks are free. Many operate on a 'turn up on the day' basis, while some require advance booking via the Walking Festival website.

https://www.highwealdwalks.org/

05/09/2026

Women are half of the population... We should make up half of the research💡

Since 1984, Women in Sport has been researching the barriers keeping women and girls out of sport.

We use our insight to help sports, schools, leisure centres and local councils and education to improve their offering for women and girls.

And we share our findings with media and government to make the case for change across the UK.

If you believe in the power of research to expose injustice, hold decision-makers to account and change systems, please consider supporting our charity today.

Your donation will help us continue our vital work for women and girls in sport.

Donate now: https://womeninsport.org/take-action/donate/

📊 Source: "Invisible Sportswomen": The S*x Data Gap in Sport and Exercise Science Research

📸 Jadon Johnson

05/09/2026

Never tried pickleball?
Saturday, 12th September is your day. It is easy to pick up, brilliant fun, and everyone is welcome, whatever your age or level. Free tickets - link in comments.

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

A worrying side effect of the heatwaves.

13/08/2026

We aren’t there yet sadly.

Sport gives girls resilience, courage, self-belief and a sense of belonging.

Why then, are they STILL being side-lined?

Our research shows...

❌ Girls are told they don’t belong in sport as young as 5

🚨 Only 30% of parents believe playing sport is very important for their daughter

😡 45% of girls agree that people think sport is for boys and doesn’t matter for girls

These inequalities don’t disappear when a girl grows up. They have far-reaching consequences for the rest of her life: from physical health to mental wellbeing, self-esteem and even career success.

This International Youth Day, we’re asking our supporters to rally around girls.

Donate to our charity to help us keep girls where they belong – in sport.

Donate now: https://womeninsport.org/take-action/donate/

📸Rodrigo Dos Reis