TENNIS ace Judy Murray served up a special training session for women from Glasgow Afghan United (GAU).
Judy showed her on-court moves to mums and their children from the groups Women’s Empowerment Project.
GAU uses sports to build self-confidence and skills and overcome isolation amongst women from Afghanistan and from other marginalised backgrounds.
Khalida Bostani, a mother-of-seven who helps lead the Women’s Empowerment Project, said: “Watching Judy play with the children and interact with the women proves exactly why we do this - sport is powerful.
"It can help break down barriers and change lives.
"Many of the women we work with face many barriers in life, from language and learning to employment and earnings.
"Most have moved to this country and have to start from scratch.
"GAU’s Women’s Empowerment Project is about helping them realise their potential - and if there’s anyone who knows about achieving potential, it’s Judy Murray.
"She’s an absolute inspiration and she certainly inspired our members to grab a racket and get involved in sports."
GUA tries to break down barriers to participation by providing free activities in a safe and sensitive environment.
Judy agreed to visit a session at the Firhill Complex in Maryhill with her Judy Murray Foundation.
More than 40 women and their children took part with a total number of around 90.
And Judy tweeted about the event.
Fabulous event for @JudyMurrayFdn with @GlasgowAU Women Empowerment Programme in Maryhill. 40 mums from many nationalities + their kids tried our Family Tennis activities (+ food after) + now we have lots of new recruits for a volunteer training programme with @Glasgow_Sport. 💥 https://t.co/wRBA9Rclmt
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 5, 2021
The session was also attended by Bob Doris MSP and Scottish Refugee Council head Sabir Zazai.
Some GAU members will now receive training to deliver tennis lessons in the community.
And the session ended as most GAU events do - with a communal feast of home-cooked foods, which Judy was invited to join.
Abdul Bostani, GAU director, said: “We were honoured when the Judy Murray Foundation agreed to join us and share her expertise.
"Her team were terrific and we would like to thank them for everything they’ve done.
"It was wonderful to see how happy the children were and how much their mothers were enjoying themselves.”
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