Places Leisure

proud to be part of the Big Sister project

Are you aged between 9 and 15 and looking for a way into physical activity?

You're in the right place!

In 2022, we partnered up with Women in Sport to launch the Big Sister project, establishing a network of Big Sister ambassadors across our centres who empower and enable girls to enjoy sport, exercise, and physical activity during puberty.

Sign up to the Big Sister Project

Sarah Roberts, Head of Fitness at Places Leisure says:

"Ensuring that the girls feel heard is really important, the programme was and is still shaped by the girls, for the girls.

We, as Places for People and Places Leisure feel part of something special and important with our teams involved in the programme so far being proud to be delivering such a game changing programme.  

I am hugely proud of everyone who has played a part in the development and delivery of the Big Sister programme to date.

I hope you enjoy being part of the Big Sister movement – we really are changing girls lives for the better!”

Two Column Big Sister Boxercise

What is Big Sister?

The programme helps girls aged 9-15 in target areas feel ‘sport ready’ by recruiting a network of ‘Big Sisters’ – peer leaders and supporters from sport, school and community organisations. Sport leaders will be trained on the emotional and physical barriers girls face.

As part of our commitment to helping girls get into activity we are offering a free membership to girls who meet the eligibility criteria*, or a 50% discounted membership for all other girls, which includes:

  • Unlimited gym use during Junior Gym hours, which includes a gym induction (11-15 year olds)
  • Unlimited swimming
  • Age appropriate group workout classes including exclusive We Move classes
  • Friendly on-site team, to support you through your activity
  • Free access to Places Leisure App and Virtual Studio which includes a Big Sister channel

 

Find your nearest centre

*Membership is free for girls whose parent/carer/guardian meets one or more of the following criteria:

Full-time students aged 26 or over, selected corporate groups (NHS, Emergency Services, MOD - including military veterans, RNLI and those working in education), those in receipt of one of the following; Housing Benefit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Working Family Tax Credit, Disability Allowance, Carers Allowance or Universal Credit, and current tenants of a Places for People property.

Proof of eligibility required.

Where can I get involved?

We know that not everyone has the same goals and not everyone progresses at the same speed, that's why our team are on hand to provide a friendly voice to talk to, a professional opinion to achieve the best results possible and a positive outlook to maintain that encouragement all the way.

The Big Sister membership is available at all of our centres. If you are interested in finding out more or signing up, please complete the form below, selecting the 'Other' option for the first question.

Can't find your centre on the form? Use our Find a Centre page to guide you to the correct contact details.

Please be aware that your parent/guardian must attend site for your initial signing up process.