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YPO Backs Sheffield Girls at This Girl Can Event

News
Laura Wood
02 Jul 2026

YPO has donated 250 footballs to support the This Girl Can event in Sheffield, helping more than 200 Year 9 female pupils enjoy a full day of sport and physical activity.

The event, which took place on Thursday 18 June 2026, brought together girls aged 13 to 14 from schools across Sheffield to try a range of activities designed to inspire, engage and motivate them to enjoy new sports.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in activities including boxing, weightlifting, wheelchair basketball, glow rave and ice skating, before finishing with a colour run.

The footballs donated by YPO were used during the event and were well received by the pupils, with each pupil receiving one to take home.

Many of the girls who attended the event face barriers to taking part in sport. The event created a positive, inclusive environment where pupils could build confidence, try something new and challenge stereotypes around girls participating in sport.

The day also helped address perceptions that football and other sports are not for girls, giving pupils the chance to experience a wide range of activities in a supportive setting.

Ryan Pygott, Buyer in Sports and SEN at YPO, said:

“At YPO, we’re really proud to support events like This Girl Can, which gives young people the opportunity to try new activities and build confidence.

“Donating the footballs was a simple way for YPO to help make the day even more memorable for pupils and support the important work being done to break down the barriers to participation.”

Lauren Donnelly, Sport Development Manager and School Games Organiser at Arches School Sport Partnership, based at Forge Valley School & Sixth Form, added:

“This Girl Can is all about showing girls that sport and physical activity can be for everyone.

“For many, days like this can be a turning point. They help girls discover activities they enjoy, feel more confident and see that they belong in sport.

“We are so grateful to YPO for their support and for helping us create such a positive experience for the girls.”

The event demonstrated the power of creating inclusive opportunities for girls to take part in sport, helping to challenge stereotypes, build confidence and show what can be achieved when young people are encouraged to try something new.

YPO is proud to have played a part in supporting the day and looks forward to continuing to work with the School Sport Partnership to help more pupils access positive, inclusive experiences through sport and physical activity.

Author

Laura Wood

PR & Communications Officer

YPO

Laura is a PR & Communications Officer, responsible for supporting integrated internal and external communications across the organisation. She creates engaging content for a range of channels, helps deliver campaigns aligned with brand and marketing priorities, and supports PR and media activity to raise YPO’s profile. Laura also works closely with colleagues, stakeholders and partners on initiatives including events, awards and wider corporate communications, helping to ensure messaging is clear, consistent and impactful.