Girls basketball

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Croydon Cougars has worked with Legacy Youth zone to grow girls only sessions in Croydon and we continue to work in partnership to create more opportunities for girls to play basketball in the community.

Girls-only basketball sessions provide a safe, positive and supportive environment where young women can build confidence, develop healthy relationships and engage in constructive activities away from negative influences. In  Croydon, where some girls may be vulnerable to gang involvement, exploitation or violence, dedicated sessions create opportunities for trusted mentors and coaches to offer guidance, support and early intervention. Through regular participation, girls develop self-esteem, leadership skills and a stronger sense of belonging, reducing social isolation and increasing resilience to peer pressure.

By creating spaces where girls feel comfortable expressing themselves, discussing challenges and accessing positive role models, these sessions can help address some of the underlying factors that contribute to violence against women and girls. The programme promotes respect, empowerment and personal development while encouraging participants to make positive choices for their futures. As a result, girls-only sessions can play an important role in strengthening community safety, improving well being and providing pathways away from gang-associated risks and violence.