Some of Hertfordshire’s elite sportswomen spoke of their hopes for the This Girl Can in Herts week.
Speaking at Arsenal FC’s training ground on Monday for the launch of the week long event, Jordan Nobbs, of Arsenal Ladies and England, said she hoped the initiative would produce a spike in what is already an upward trend.
The Teesside-born midfielder said: “It’s developing so much and when the advert came out everyone wanted to watch it, to look at it and be inspired.
“There’s not many times that I don’t see a woman jogging down the road now and that maybe wouldn’t have happened years ago.
“And if women do get involved and they have children, then they naturally look up to them.
“I think if they see their mam exercising then that can lead them into sport.”
Georgia Peedle, pictured right, of Saracens and England, said there were now more opportunities to play rugby.
She said: “I think around London it has been more popular in terms of the women’s game. There are more grassroots clubs coming through, more clubs opening it up for females to play.
“Previously it has just been men’s squads and if someone came up with the idea of starting a women’s team, it was more of a laughable event. But now it is more respected.
“There is definitely something for everyone out there and watching the advert makes me feel empowered.”
Donna McGuigan, of Stevenage Ladies Football Club, summed it up saying: “I think it is changing stereotypes and encouraging people to be excited about sport, no matter your age, no matter your size.
“It is about having fun, meeting people and more importantly getting active.”
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