An all-female football program in Ballarat is helping women build confidence in getting their bodies to move.
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Switch is a state-wide touch rugby program hosted by Ballarat Touch Association for a second time this year in a low-level, non-threatening environment.
BTA's Nicole Ashby said it was a "gentle" introduction into what was an inclusive sport, ideal for mums and daughters of all abilities to take the field together.
Sessions are predominantly skills and exercise-based, like passing backwards, encouraging women to work up a sweat and have fun. There is no match-play.
"This is not about being the fastest or fittest. It's getting your body moving and meet with women who are doing the same thing," Ms Ashby said. "You don't have to do burpees or intense. It's an introduction to a new sport and way to make good connections."
This is not about being the fastest or fittest...It's an introduction to a new sport and way to make good connections.
- Nicole Ashby
A six-week series kicked off last week. Ballarat Touch remains keen for other women to join in the weekly sessions.
Ms Ashby said a couple of participants were mums who wanted to be positive active role models for their daughters, who also took part, rather than just cheering their daughters on from the sidelines.
Most participants had not taken part in organised sport or found ways to exercise regularly for awhile.
More than half of Victorian women are not sufficiently active, participating in less than 30 minutes of physical activity on four or more days a week. This rate is higher in Ballarat.
VicHealth's This Girl Can campaign offers ways for women to get moving more without fear of judgment. More than 50 per cent of Victorian women worry about being judged when exercising while 41 per cent are too embarrassed or intimidated to get active, according to VicHealth research.
Switch is a joint initiative of the NRL and VicHealth. Ms Ashby said touch was one of the few family-friendly sports where players of all ages could take part safely together.
Ballarat Touch Association hoped women taking part would find confidence to get involved in the competition season, which starts next month.
Switch sessions are at Russell Square, East Ballarat, on Tuesdays, 5.45-6.45pm.
- To register, click here.
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