Hundreds of girls from schools across Birmingham came together earlier this month for the Girls of Brum Summer Showcase at the iconic Alexander Stadium, proving that not even the British weather could dampen their enthusiasm for sport, physical activity and new experiences.
The annual showcase event brought together young women from across the city for a day dedicated to participation, empowerment and inspiration. Despite persistent rain throughout the day, the atmosphere remained vibrant and energetic as girls embraced every opportunity to get active, learn new skills and build lasting friendships.
Designed to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity, the Girls of Brum Summer Showcase offered attendees the chance to experience a wide range of activities in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. Alongside traditional sports, participants were introduced to activities they may not normally have access to, including fencing, archery, wrestling and shooting. Sports such as fencing, archery, and shooting offered less boisterous sporting options that demanded poise, focus, and concentration. These opportunities enabled girls to step outside their comfort zones, discover new interests and gain confidence through positive sporting experiences. There were over 30 providers providing a broad range of sport and physical activities.
The event formed a key part of the wider Girls of Brum movement, which aims to inspire and empower women and girls across Birmingham through sport, physical activity and leadership opportunities. By creating welcoming spaces where girls feel encouraged to participate and succeed, the initiative continues to break down barriers and foster a lifelong commitment to active and healthy lifestyles.
Throughout the day, the girls demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and resilience. While the weather presented challenges, participants fully embraced the activities on offer and refused to let the rain get in the way of their enjoyment. Their determination and positive attitudes created an inspiring atmosphere that reflected the core values of the Girls of Brum programme.
A highlight of the event was the opening ceremony, which featured returning keynote speaker Karenjeet Kaur Bains ACA. For the second consecutive year, Karenjeet shared her personal journey, offering valuable insights into perseverance, ambition and the importance of believing in yourself. Her powerful message resonated strongly with the audience and reinforced the event’s mission of empowering young women to pursue their goals both in sport and beyond.
Adding to the excitement of the opening ceremony was a dynamic performance by Eloquent Dance, whose energy and talent helped create an unforgettable start to the day. Together, the keynote address and performance set the tone for an event centred on inspiration, confidence and opportunity.
The success of the Summer Showcase would not have been possible without the dedication and support of a wide network of partners, volunteers and organisations. Event deliverers played a vital role in providing engaging activities and adapting programmes throughout the day to accommodate changing weather conditions, ensuring participants continued to enjoy a high-quality experience.
Equally important were the volunteers and young leaders who supported the event from start to finish. Their enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism helped create a welcoming environment for all attendees. Support from organisations including Sport 4 Life UK, University College Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, South & City College Birmingham, InUnity, Serco Leisure and Severn Trent contributed significantly to the smooth delivery of the event.
The organisers also expressed their gratitude to the many supporters whose generosity helped bring the showcase to life. Contributions from organisations including PureGym, FabLittleBag, Joma Sport, Connect Padel UK, Severn Trent, Vivify Venues, Serco Leisure and Hollywood Bowl Group Plc demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting opportunities for girls and young women across Birmingham.
Running alongside the Summer Showcase was the Girls of Brum Leaders Forum, which also took place at Alexander Stadium. The forum brought together key stakeholders, community leaders and partners to discuss how Birmingham can continue to create opportunities for girls through sport, physical activity and leadership development. By combining direct participation opportunities with strategic collaboration, Girls of Brum continues to build momentum as a citywide movement for positive change.
For the full story on the Leaders Forum click here
More than just a single event, Girls of Brum represents a long-term commitment to ensuring every girl in Birmingham feels confident, resilient and empowered. By bringing together schools, communities, businesses and local leaders, the initiative is helping to create a city where girls are visible, valued and supported to thrive.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 Summer Showcase once again demonstrated the power of sport to inspire, connect and transform lives. The event left participants with new experiences, greater confidence and memories that will last long after the final activity concluded.
As Girls of Brum continues to grow, its impact reaches far beyond the sporting field, helping to shape healthier communities, stronger connections and brighter futures for girls across Birmingham.
