Harnessing Power & Play: Inside Our Girls CAN Self-Defence Workshop
On August 11–12, Beat the Streets officially launched the first step in our new Girls CAN Wrestling & Leadership Pathway, in collaboration with Olympian Leah Ferguson. Together, we delivered a self-defence workshop for girls alongside a train-the-trainer session for coaches.
The energy in the room was electric, filled with laughter, trust, and the joy of discovering new strengths. But this wasn’t just about learning throws or escapes. It was about building confidence, community, and the belief that every girl belongs in spaces of power.
Coach Leah Ferguson with participants and coaches during the Girls Can Self-Defence Workshop August 2025.
For the Girls
The workshop welcomed participants of all ages and skill levels, many of whom had never tried combat sports before. The design was intentional: playful, welcoming, and effective.
The highlight? The games. From trust falls to cat-and-mouse games, the activities were designed to build connections and teach practical skills without intimidation.
One girl shared:
“I learned that my hips are powerful and staying calm is important.”
Another told us:
“This program helped me feel more grounded and safe within myself.”
Nearly every participant said they’d recommend the workshop to a friend, with an average rating of 8/10. Many pointed to the same takeaway: self-defence can be fun, confidence-building, and empowering.
For the Coaches
Coach Leah Ferguson training the trainers at Girls Can Self-Defence Workshop, August 2025.
Alongside the girls, eight coaches took part in a train-the-trainer session designed to equip them to lead this program in the future.
By the end, five of them reported feeling fully confident to run the curriculum independently, while others noted they’d just like a bit more practice.
One coach reflected:
“We didn’t even mention self-defence until 40 minutes in, but the girls were already learning everything they needed. The play-based, trauma-informed approach was brilliant.”
Another added:
“This workshop focuses on empowering women to take control, own their space, and be comfortable in their own skin.”
The feedback was clear: the curriculum is scalable, adaptable, and ready for schools and community programs.
The Takeaway
This workshop wasn’t just a one-off event—it’s the entry point into our new Girls CAN Wrestling & Leadership Pathway. Starting with self-defence, the pathway will grow this fall to include You Grow Girl, a girls-only wrestling club, and ultimately full-time participation through programs like ParticipACTION.
This workshop showed exactly what the Girls CAN movement is all about:
Visibility – girls taking up space with confidence.
Capability – learning real tools for strength and safety.
Community – coaches and girls building trust side by side.
Equity in action – creating spaces where everyone belongs.
And this is just the beginning. Watch this space, our full Girls CAN Pathway launches this September.
Thank You
A huge thank-you to Leah Ferguson for leading this pilot and to all the coaches and girls who brought their energy, courage, and voices into the room.
Because when it comes to building confidence, resilience, and leadership, GIRLS CAN. Full stop.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
