Places Leisure is launching its Big Sister project nationwide to motivate girls aged 9-15 to engage in sport during puberty.

From August 5, the initiative will extend to all 100 leisure centres, including Eastleigh.

Partnership with Women in Sport in 2022 showed 64 per cent of girls now enjoy sports more and 62 per cent's overall confidence has improved since its introduction.

Sarah Roberts, head of fitness at places leisure said: "We have learnt so much about preconceptions and barriers in place when looking to engage girls going through puberty into activity.

"The Big Sister project is game-changing as we will support any girl aged 9-15 years old with their own local ambassador who will champion the benefits and enjoyment of sport, exercise and physical activity to girls and support them into making it a part of their life. Crucially, the programme is shaped by girls, for girls and provides those we support with real role models who have faced the same challenges they do."