By Poppy Cuthbert

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual of Women and Girls in Sport Week in Scotland.

The event began on November 2nd and will run until November 8th, celebrating the achievements of women and girls across Scottish sport.

Active Scotland established the campaign in September 2016 and has since developed a number of partnerships, including representation from the Scottish Government.

Over the past decade, Active Scotland has worked closely with female athletes and participants to promote greater visibility, equality and representation for women and girls across Scottish sport.

Encouraging women and girls to participate in sport has always been an important part of the campaign. Not only does taking part in sport improve physical and mental health, it also helps build confidence and self-esteem while creating new opportunities for women and girls.

The campaign takes pride in challenging gender stereotypes and addressing the inequalities between the opportunities available to women and girls compared to men and boys in sport. By promoting female participation and representation, it aims to create a more inclusive sporting environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Over the course of the week, Active Scotland will encourage all women and girls to get involved and find a sport or activity that’s right for them.

First Minister John Swinney, meeting young footballers to launch new campaign, via GettyImages

Student Ruby Cook, 17, from Blantyre, said: “Sport has majorly impacted my life. Most of my close friends are people who I have met through my football team. We are like one big family.”

Another student, Millie Armstrong, 19, from Troon, said: “Before playing sports, I always looked up to those who took part in a team. Now that I have started playing hockey, I have noticed how much happier I feel and how good it feels to be included in something so fun and rewarding.”

Sports is something that can be made your own. Active Scotland's, Women and Girls in Sports Week campaign has showed great success in representing women and girls in sports over the years, and the success is measured by the campaign reaching its 10th year. It has proven that there is much more to sports than just competition and they have created a campaign to make women feel empowered to share achievements, challenge the barriers and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The motto of the campaign sums up the message Active Scotland are continuing to highlight: She Can, She Will. Proving that sport has a place for everyone.

She Can, She Will: 10 years of Women and Girls in Sport Week