Pilates might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about community, connection and faith. But for Sportily’s Abbie Clarke, these sessions have become so much more than an hour of exercise.
What started as a chance for people to move, stretch and improve their wellbeing has grown into something much bigger: a place where people laugh together, share life, make friends and know they are welcome.
Sportily is a Christian charity using sport and activity to bring people together, build community and create opportunities for conversations about life and faith. Across Gloucestershire, Sportily creates spaces where people of all ages and abilities can join in.
Abbie’s Pilates sessions show this in action.
She currently runs sessions in communities including Coney Hill, Matson and Sportily’s own Innsworth Community Hall, with more sessions planned in the future, including new classes at One Church and in partnership with The Nelson Trust for their clients.
People often arrive for the Pilates. They might be looking to get fitter, try something new or simply spend an hour doing something for themselves. But somewhere between the stretches and the conversations before and after the session, something else happens.
People connect.
“People come for the Pilates, but they stay because of the relationships,” said Abbie.
And those relationships have opened the door to some incredible moments. One lady came to Abbie during a difficult time in her family life, unsure what to do next. After listening and supporting her, Abbie was able to pray with her for the first time, bringing comfort and encouragement when it was needed most. For Abbie, moments like this are why creating welcoming spaces matters.
It’s also why Sportily is committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to take part.
One of Abbie’s regular participants is blind and has previously experienced being turned away from activities because people didn’t know how to include him. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, Abbie looked at what needed to change. Rather than seeing his blindness as a barrier, Abbie finds ways to adapt the session so he can take part, connect with others and feel part of the group.
That’s what happens across Sportily sessions every week. Through Pilates, sports sessions, coffee times and community events, people are finding friendship, support and a place where they can be themselves. And the impact keeps growing. From local communities across Gloucestershire to partnerships further afield, Sportily is seeing how sport can open doors, create conversations and bring people together.
Because sport is about much more than the activity itself. It’s about people.
Ready to give something new a go? Find a Sportily adult session near you and come along →
Helping summer shine for local children and families
Get ready for a summer of sport, games and smiles.
Sportily’s free Summer Pop-up events are bringing the fun to parks and open spaces across Gloucestershire, giving children, young people and families the chance to play, connect and create memories together.
Their Help Summer Shine campaign helps make it all possible. With your support, they can bring more activities, more laughter and more opportunities to local communities this summer.
Click here to find out how you can help make summer shine →
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