Women given a sporting chance

A football tournament took place at Castlebrae High School recently to raise awareness about violence against women.

Supported by the Council and NHS Lothian and organised by the Anti-Violence against Women Partnership (East), the tournament aimed to encourage young women to participate in sport.

It also highlighted the rise in violence against women around certain sporting events, particularly high-profile football matches.

Former Scotland women’s captain Shelley Kerr, who helped promote the tournament, said: “Sport has a great ability to increase confidence in people. It has definitely shaped my life.

“I would encourage all young women to give it a go. Be it football or ice-skating, there’s something to suit everyone.”

Exercise and team sport has been proven to have a positive effect on women. Sportscotland findings maintain that women who play sport have a more positive body image, higher self-esteem and pride in themselves than those who do not.

Research also suggests that physical activity is effective in reducing the symptoms of stress as well as depression.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Edinburgh East Violence against Women group forms part of a citywide network supported by the Violence against Women Partnership. These groups are based in local communities and work to raise awareness of the No Excuse! Violence against Women Strategy.