Play Like A Girl

June 14th, 2025

On June 14, 2025, the Edmonton Tennis Community (ETC) partnered with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) to deliver Play Like a Girl, an empowering initiative designed to encourage girls in sport and build confidence both on and off the court. 

Hosted at the Edmonton Garrison Fitness and Sports Centre, the event welcomed 36 girls ages 8 to 14 for four engaging, hour-long sessions that combined tennis instruction with meaningful mentorship. The goal: to create a fun, inclusive environment where girls could develop both athletic skills and self-confidence.

For many of the participants, it was their very first time picking up a racquet, an exciting opportunity to try something new. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with girls expressing how much fun they had learning a new sport in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Each session concluded with a short group discussion, where coaches led a circle chat focused on the importance of staying in sport and why playing is not only good for the body, but fun, empowering, and confidence-building. These conversations helped reinforce the day’s lessons while creating space for reflection and connection among the girls.

The sessions were led by ETC’s Program Coordinator, Shaylea, along with coaches AnaMaria and Jasmine, three passionate leaders committed to helping girls thrive through sport.

Coach Jasmine shared her perspective on the importance of events like this:

"Sports, especially tennis, have such a powerful way of teaching resilience, independence, and self-belief. Creating spaces where young girls feel seen, supported, and encouraged is at the heart of why I coach. I love watching girls step into their power on the court—cheering each other on, taking risks, and realizing just how capable they are. Events like this help break down barriers and show them that they belong in sports, that their strength is something to be proud of, and that being a girl in this space is something to celebrate. It’s about lifting each other up and building a future where women in sport are unstoppable."

Coach Jasmine

Coach

To celebrate their participation and effort, each girl got to go home with a prize, wrapping up their hour-long session on a positive note. 

Play Like a Girl is part of ETC’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, and to ensuring that girls stay active, engaged, and inspired through sport. With its strong turnout and enthusiastic participation, the event marked an important step forward in addressing gender gaps in sport participation.