Own Your Game: Safe Play, Safe Futures (Girls Forward x U of T)

Own Your Game: Safe Play, Safe Futures – A Free Running Program for Girls 9 - 15

Calling all girls ages 9 -15! Girls Forward Foundation is thrilled to offer Own Your Game: Safe Play, Safe Futures — a free, four-week empowerment program this fall in downtown Toronto!

Running every Tuesday from November 25 – December 16, this program blends the power of sport with the strength of mentorship and education. Each session creates a safe, inclusive space where girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and grow together — both on and off the court.

This FREE program is delivered by Girls Forward Foundation.

Program Details:

• Who: Girls ages 9 - 15
• When: Tuesdays, November 25 – December 16, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Where: University of Toronto Athletic Centre, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario
• Cost: Free!
• Participants: Limited to 20 girls

Overall Key Objectives:

This program takes a proactive approach to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention by addressing it in two critical ways:

• Within Sport: Equipping girls and program leaders with tools to identify, prevent, and respond to GBV in sport environments, including addressing harmful norms, unsafe dynamics, and barriers to participation.
• Through Sport: Using sport as a platform to foster protective factors like resilience, self-advocacy, confidence, and belonging — all of which help reduce girls’ vulnerability to GBV and promote long-term well-being.

Program Structure:

Each 1.5-hour weekly session (5:30–7:00 PM) includes:

• Engaging physical activities, drills, and games designed to build movement skills, endurance, teamwork, and confidence in the sport of running.
• A 30-minute interactive workshop that uses a GBV-informed curriculum to explore themes like body confidence, boundaries, healthy relationships, leadership, and community-building
• A welcoming environment where girls connect, grow, and feel supported by peers and mentors

Why It Matters:

Too many girls drop out of sport due to unsafe, exclusive, or unwelcoming environments. Own Your Game is designed to reverse that trend — by creating spaces where girls:

• Feel seen, heard, and respected
• Understand their rights and boundaries
• Develop strong peer connections
• Gain skills to speak up, step in, and lead

This isn’t just about running — it’s about using sport as a tool for empowerment and GBV prevention.

Key Features:

• Group Size: Capped at 20 participants to foster connection and individual support
• Inclusive & Beginner-Friendly: No experience required — all skill levels welcome
• Life Skills Focus: Every session integrates personal growth, self-reflection, and real-life application
• Mentorship: Led by trained facilitators and positive role models

What to Bring:

• A water bottle
• Comfortable activewear and non-marking shoes
• Dress in warm, comfortable layers — some activities may take place outdoors, weather permitting!
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn, play, and grow!

Questions or accessibility needs?
We’re here to support you! Contact us at [email protected]

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