How can technology break down barriers to sports participation for teenage girls? In Amsterdam, the Girls Meet Up pilot addressed this challenge by co-creating a dedicated app to help girls organise and join sports events. As part of the CommuniCity Second Round of Open Calls, this initiative aimed to empower teenage girls by tackling the social and logistical barriers that often hinder their participation in sports activities.
The app not only fostered personal development and social connections but also demonstrated the potential of community-driven technological solutions to promote inclusivity and engagement.
Pilot Overview
The Girls Meet Up pilot focused on two primary areas:
- App Development: A user-friendly mobile app was created to connect girls with sports events, coaches, and clubs in their communities. The app included features such as event organization, notifications, and a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
- Community Engagement: Co-creation sessions were held with teenage girls, sports organizations, and community leaders to ensure the app met the specific needs and preferences of its users.
Throughout the project, 12 co-creation sessions were conducted with 20 participants, including teenage girls, sports coaches, and local ambassadors. Iterative testing and refinement ensured the app remained aligned with user needs.
Results & Co-Creation Process
Teenage girls played an active role as co-designers, providing critical insights that shaped the app’s design and functionality. Workshops, prototyping sessions, and feedback loops emphasized inclusivity, usability, and relevance. This collaborative approach ensured the app resonated with its target audience and addressed their key challenges.
The Girls Meet Up app featured:
- Event Management: Tools to create and join local sports events.
- Customizable Profiles: Options for users to set preferences and receive tailored recommendations.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Continuous user input to refine the app.
The pilot highlighted the importance of fostering social connections, simplifying onboarding processes, and building community trust to sustain participation.
Building on its success in Amsterdam, the Girls Meet Up pilot plans to expand its impact across the Randstad region and other European cities. Future developments focus on refining features to enhance usability, streamlining onboarding for improved accessibility, and collaborating with more sports organizations to broaden reach and impact. This initiative highlights the transformative potential of technology and co-creation in addressing social challenges, empowering teenage girls, and fostering inclusivity through innovation.