Talbot Heath School once again played host to the hugely popular This Girl Can event, welcoming girls from across Bournemouth for a day packed with energy, confidence-building activities and fun. Now a well-established highlight of the Bournemouth School Games calendar, the event brought together 12 schools, including Epiphany, Kingsleigh, St Peters, Corpus Christi, Muscliff, Elm, Jewell, Pokesdown, Avonwood, St Walburga’s, Stourfield and Talbot Heath itself.
From the moment activities began, the focus was clear: encouraging girls to enjoy movement, try something new and build positive relationships with sport and physical activity.
A Celebration of Movement and Confidence
Sarah Dunsford, School Games Organiser for Bournemouth, emphasised the importance of the event:
“This Girl Can is an important event in the Bournemouth School Games calendar, it is very popular and always provides a great experience for the participants and staff. Talbot Heath is the perfect venue and the event has evolved in the 10 years it has been hosted there. It is a great day that champions physical activity for girls.”
Throughout the day, pupils rotated through a range of engaging activities designed to inspire participation rather than competition. Sessions included cricket skills led by Dorset Cricket, which played a key role in shifting perceptions and introducing many girls to a sport they may not have previously considered.
A lively cheerleading session, delivered by a specialist instructor, quickly became a highlight, with participants embracing the routines with enthusiasm and confidence.
Expert Support and Role Models
Adding to the excitement, volunteers from AFC Bournemouth’s women’s team attended the event, sharing their expertise and passion for the game. They delivered skill-based sessions and facilitated a friendly, inclusive football match between schools, giving pupils the opportunity to learn from experienced players and role models.
Talbot Heath’s own Sports Leaders and ambassadors—U4 pupils—also played a vital role in the day’s success. They led rounders activities with confidence and maturity, creating a welcoming environment for younger participants.
Lou Lindon, Head of Sport at Talbot Heath, praised both the atmosphere and the students’ contributions:
“What an amazing day we have had full of physical activity and fun! Great to see so many girls enjoying trying different activities with a smile on their faces. TH U4 Sports leaders/ambassadors leading our Rounders activities were fantastic role models and a credit to the school.”
A Shared Vision for Girls’ Sport
The event strongly reflected Talbot Heath’s broader commitment to promoting positive experiences in sport. Mrs Brown, Head of Junior School, highlighted the importance of nurturing confidence and enjoyment:
“PE is about enjoying movement and developing confidence, not just competition. Our aim is for all girls to discover a love of physical activity that supports a healthy relationship with exercise as they grow. This is exactly what the This Girl Can event is all about. By working alongside local primary schools and sharing our facilities, we are proud to promote enjoyment, confidence and a lifelong love of movement for all.”
Leadership and Future Vision
This year’s event also marked an opportunity to reinforce the school’s forward-thinking approach under new leadership. Ross Cameron, Head of Talbot Heath, reflected on the impact of the day:
“Events like This Girl Can perfectly capture what Talbot Heath stands for—opportunity, inclusivity and confidence. It was inspiring to see so many young girls embracing new experiences, supporting one another and discovering the joy of being active. We are proud to host such an important event and to work alongside local schools to empower the next generation.”
A Lasting Impact
With a decade of success at Talbot Heath, the This Girl Can event continues to grow in both scale and impact. By bringing together schools, professional athletes and educators, it creates an environment where girls feel supported, encouraged and inspired to stay active.
For many of the participants, the day will not only be remembered for the fun they had, but for the confidence they gained and the new possibilities they discovered—both on and off the sports field.
