At Portobello High School, we believe every young person should have the opportunity to experience the freedom, confidence and sense of adventure that cycling can bring.

Over the past few months, cycling has become one of the fastest-growing activities in our school. More than 150 young people now take part in cycling programmes ranging from mountain biking and bike maintenance to overseas touring adventures. This year alone, over 80 pupils represented the school at the Edinburgh Schools Mountain Bike Championships.

Our newest and most exciting project is the Portobello High School Girls Road Cycling Team.

The team has been created in response to a simple challenge: too many girls stop participating in sport during their teenage years. Confidence, cost, lack of opportunities and concerns about fitting in can all become barriers to staying active.

We want to change that.

Already, more than 60 girls aged 11-17 have signed up to be part of the programme. Over the next year they will take part in coaching sessions, social rides, track cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, sportives, races and leadership opportunities. They will develop confidence, friendships, resilience and a lifelong love of cycling.

Importantly, our team reflects the diversity of our school community. We are committed to ensuring opportunities are available to young people from all backgrounds, including those experiencing financial hardship, those with additional support needs and those who have never previously been involved in sport.

To make this possible, we need your help.

We are raising money to provide girls with:

Refurbished road bikes

Helmets

Cycling shoes

Team kit

Basic cycling equipment

A donation of £400 equips one girl with everything she needs to get started.

We are working with local partners to source quality refurbished bikes and keep costs as low as possible, ensuring every pound raised goes directly towards creating opportunities for young people.

With the Tour de France coming to Edinburgh in 2027, this is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of female cyclists. Our girls are already dreaming big, with plans to attend the Tour de France Femmes and even take part in a few long distance bikes rides.

Whether you can donate £5, £50 or £400, every contribution will help remove barriers and create life-changing opportunities for young people in our community.

Thank you for helping us get more girls on bikes.