Indoor Rowing Program Creates a New Pathway for Adolescent Girls

Indoor Rowing Pilot Creates a New Pathway to Physical Activity for Adolescent Girls

A new indoor rowing pilot program designed to create a more inclusive pathway into physical activity for adolescent girls has exceeded expectations, with more than 35 St Hilda’s girls taking part in the five-week program.

‘Shed Fit’ was delivered through a partnership between Rowing WA and St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls as part of Rowing WA’s Rowing Radiance Indoor Rowing Program funded under the WA Government’s Department of Cultural Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) Inclusive Participation Program.

The State Government initiative was developed to provide accessible opportunities into sport for groups with traditionally lower participation rates, with adolescent females among the program’s target participants. Other participants include women, seniors (60+) and the disability community.

The focus comes at an important time. Australian research has consistently found that participation in sport and physical activity declines during adolescence, particularly among girls. Current Australian Sports Commission data also shows that among young people aged 15–24, females are less likely than males to participate in sport-related activity at least once a week.

At St Hilda’s, Shed Fit explored whether indoor rowing could provide another way for girls to be active without the competitive environment traditionally associated with school and club sport.

Delivered by current St Hilda’s and Scotch College rowing coaches at the Scotch College Rowing Shed, the five-week program introduced girls to indoor rowing in a supportive, inclusive and non-competitive setting, with a focus on participation, fitness, social connection and building confidence.

Rowing WA CEO Daniel Tackenberg said the response had surpassed expectations and provided valuable insights into how sporting organisations and schools can work together to broaden participation.

“We were delighted to see more than 35 girls participate in Shed Fit, which was well beyond what we anticipated when conceptualising the program.

“The purpose of the program was to explore a different pathway into physical activity – one that was low impact, accessible, welcoming and removed some of the barriers that can come with traditional competitive sport.

“The response from the St Hilda’s students has given us some valuable insights into ways we can encourage adolescent girls to participate in sport and will help inform how we develop programs to support inclusion and participation in the future.”

St Hilda’s Principal Fiona Johnston said that while St Hilda’s has a strong culture of participation in sport, the School recognised that competitive sport did not appeal to every girl.

“We have a very strong culture of sport at St Hilda’s, but we also recognise that competitive sport isn’t for every girl. Shed Fit provided another way for our girls to be active in a welcoming, non-competitive and inclusive environment.

“What was particularly encouraging was seeing girls participate who may not ordinarily choose a traditional sporting program. More than 35 girls taking part demonstrates the value of providing different opportunities for girls to discover forms of physical activity they enjoy and feel comfortable being part of.”

The program aims to reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive opportunities for groups traditionally under-represented in sport.

The participation levels and learnings from the St Hilda’s pilot will now help inform Rowing WA’s future inclusive participation and schools program initiatives.

PHOTO: More than 35 St Hilda’s students participated in the five-week Shed Fit indoor rowing pilot at the Scotch Rowing Shed.