
Throughout August and September dads in Orange have been meeting up to teach their daughters to kick, strike, catch, bounce and throw like a girl.
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The 35 dads took part in a University of Newcastle developed program designed to empower girls through sport and encourage one-on-one time with dads and daughters.
Each week the dads and daughters met to sharpen their physical skills and pick up a few social-emotional strategies along the way.
Darren Barrett said the program served as a reminder to prioritise his daughter Mikaylee, as well as his sons Callam and Toby Barrett.
"I run a small business and work demands a lot of time. I think that's the same with a lot of guys, especially with the drought, everyone has had to put in the extra hours to stay afloat," he said.
"A lot of my time is in the workshop instead of at home. It's been good that I've had to make an effort to get away to do stuff with Mikaylee."
We try not to stereotype our daughter we didn't dress her in pink or get her doing girly things
- Darren Barrett
The program was part of a state government initiative to develop a sport sector where women and girls have the same choices and opportunities as boys and men do.
Mr Barrett said he and his wife Jo Barrett have tried not to treat their sons and daughter too differently.
"We try not to stereotype our daughter we didn't dress her in pink or get her doing girly things," he said.
"It [the program] sort of made me more aware of certain things you might say to them which might not be right."
The six-week initiative concluded this weekend with a camp at Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre where dads and daughters took part in camping activities, play and sport skills.
It was the first regional Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program, which will now be rolled out across the state.
Mr Barrett said his family had made a commitment to "keep the ball rolling" together by making Sundays their sports day from next week.
"On Sunday mornings we think we'll find a park and try a new sport or just have a run around," he said.
"We'll talk about it through the week and let the kids decide what they want to do."
Mikaylee, who's favourite sport is soccer, said she's looking forward to kicking the ball around the backyard with her dad and her brothers.
"I really like it when you play sport. It makes you fit but also it's really fun because you're playing with your friends and family," she said.
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