Around 45% of teenage girls are dropping out of sport – twice the rate of boys – due to low body confidence. The Newcastle Rugby Foundation is on a mission to change this by delivering Dove and Nike’s “Body Confidence Sport Programme” to students at Newcastle College and Tyne Met College.

The programme is led by Zoe Hornby, the Foundation’s college manager, and Brooke Henderson, development officer. Together, they are tackling the impact of social media and societal pressures on girls aged 12-18, encouraging them to challenge perceptions and engage in open, honest conversations. So far, they have reached 459 girls, with the goal of impacting 1,000 by July 2025.

These sessions create a safe and supportive space where girls can talk openly about their feelings while using rugby’s core values to challenge stereotypes.

Henderson explains: “The hardest part is getting the conversation started.

“Once the ice is broken, we can gradually educate them on the importance of fuelling their bodies properly and remind them how boring it would be if we all looked the same.

“Rugby offers amazing role models like Ellie Kildunne, Hannah Botterman and Abbie Ward, who excel at the top of their game with diverse body types.

“It’s crucial to show that every kind of body has a role to play in sport.”

She adds: “We’re not asking anyone to be match-fit. What we want is for these girls to understand the physical and mental benefits of being active.

“We want them to champion each other, to build and not tear down, so the next generation feels comfortable in their own skin and girls’ sport can thrive with all body types and personalities represented.”

To learn more about the three-session programme or to discuss how your school or college could get involved, contact operations and delivery manager, Gavin Beasley at gavin-beasley@newcastle-falcons.co.uk.