We are thrilled to announce the return of our blog series, Breaking Barriers: Women Who Lead. Throughout 2025, we will highlight various women leaders who advocate for gender equity, believe in the power of sport, and continue to support and amplify the need to get more girls in sport and physical activity. They are women who broke down barriers (and continue to do so), are leaders in their fields, and who hope to leave an impact on their sectors.  We’re so excited for our series to return by chatting with Simran Sandhra, Content Creator, Senior Media Coordinator at Sports Girls Club, and Creative Studios and Account Production Intern at MLSE!

“SPORTS AREN’T JUST FOR GUYS ANYMORE” SIMRAN’S JOURNEY AS A CONTENT CREATOR AND media coordinator

In the world of women’s sports, Simran is emerging as a powerful advocate, not only for athletes but for women of all ages who aspire to be involved, whether as players, fans, or professionals. Currently balancing her studies as a business student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Simran is carving out her own path in the sports industry.

Reflecting on her childhood, Simran recalls how sports sparked her determination. Even when she didn’t know how to play a sport, she adopted a mindset of figuring it out. “If I don’t know how to play something, I’ll figure it out. It can’t be that hard,” she says. However, as a teenager, societal pressures to be “realistic” started to influence her decisions around what career to pursue after high school. Like many young women, Simran felt distanced from the sports world, thinking that only athletes had a place in it. But everything changed during her university years. While watching a Toronto Maple Leafs game and casually scrolling through TikTok, Simran stumbled upon Sports Girls Club. “It was one of those moments where you see something and you know it’s meant for you,” she says. That moment reignited her passion for sports and gave her the confidence to pursue a career in the industry.

“If I don’t know how to play something, I’ll figure It out. It can’t be that hard.” 

Over the past 2.5 years with Sports Girls Club, Simran has gone from mentee to mentor, now able to “help other young girls who are starting their post-secondary journeys and looking to gain experience in sports.”

Simran is also vocal about the significance of supporting women’s sports in a more tangible way. “Investing in women’s sports means more than just watching—it’s about buying merchandise, attending games, and engaging with content,” she says.

She takes pride in wearing her PWHL jersey, which has sparked meaningful conversations with longtime fans and those less familiar with the league. It can become an opportunity to educate others about the league and the players, further driving support for women’s sports.

“Whatever it is that makes you feel connected to sports, you belong.”

“When wearing a women’s sports jersey—it’s a conversation starter,” Simran explains. “When you see someone wearing it, it’s just an immediate ‘Oh, that’s an ally and they love women’s sports,’ like we could be best friends.” This kind of interaction is common among women fans, creating an instant connection. It’s that kind of mutual understanding and camaraderie that reflects the growing movement of women’s sports fans, where the simple act of wearing a jersey becomes a way to build solidarity and show support.

Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are becoming hubs for women’s sports, and brands are beginning to make more intentional investments in these areas. Simran speaks on cities embracing women’s sports: “Toronto has been very welcoming to women’s sports, and Vancouver has also shown excitement and strong support.”  

Through her work with Sports Girls Club, Simran learned that women belong in all areas of sports, not just as athletes but as creators, fans, and professionals. “There are so many different jobs, so many different voices, and so many ways to get involved,” she explains. Passionate about breaking down barriers, Simran is determined to show young girls that sports is no longer just a boys’ club. “It’s also a girls club, and everyone is welcome.”

Her mission is simple: empower women to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. “If guys can do it, girls can do it too,” Simran emphasizes. Whether someone dreams of leading a team or just being a fan, she believes there’s a place for everyone. “Whatever it is that makes you feel connected to sports, you belong.” Simran’s perspective reflects the growing shift in how women’s sports are seen and why supporting them at every level matters.

“When I wore the PWHL jersey—it was a conversation starter.”

Our Breaking Barriers: Women Who Lead blog series highlights women in leadership positions who are passionate about empowering girls through sport, physical activity and education. Launched in January 2025, the series will highlight various women throughout 2025. If you are interested in learning more or supporting this series, please email us at info@girlsforward.ca