OLYMPIC gold medallist Helen Glover set a course for Bolton to inspire the next generation of sportswomen.

About 200 girls were told to believe in themselves and that “anything is possible” by female sporting icons visiting Bolton School, which was hosting the North West second GSA Girls Go Gold North West Conference.

Rower Helen was joined by the current 800-metre European Indoor Champion, Jenny Meadows, and Tracey Neville, a former England netball international, as well as other keynote speakers to encourage the girls to reach their goals.

Jenny, from Wigan, said: “We need to build girls’ confidence in their teens so that they do not give up sport.

“Understandably, many take time out to do exams, but I think London 2012 gave sport a real boost and because of Jessica Ennis and others, like Helen Glover, sport is seen as being cool again.

“For me, the secret of success is to persevere. There will be good days and bad days but you must battle on.

“The fact is anyone who puts the right amount of work in can be successful.”

The girls took part in practical sessions at the school and the University of Bolton and heard from the guest speakers, who also spoke about careers in sport.

Helen added: “I have really enjoyed today and hope I have inspired girls to reach their dreams.

“I only wish such conferences had existed when I was their age.

“All these inspirational women here today have proven that if you believe in yourself and work hard you can achieve amazing things.”

Tracey said that little changes could increase women participation in sport. She said: “There is not enough sport in schools, particularly for girls.

“It is not given enough space on the timetable and quite often facilities are not up to scratch — particularly changing rooms.

“We need to modernise facilities and changing rooms, having hair dryers in there. It might sound vain but simple changes like this can make a big difference.”

Girls who attended said it gave them the motivation they needed to persevere in sport and overcome barriers.

Isabelle Emms, aged 16, from King Edward VI High School, said: “I have absolutely loved meeting Helen. I am a rower and this has been so motivational.

“School work and exams have taken over a bit but listening to Helen has given me the motivation I need to get back into it. I would love to get to the Olympics.”

Bolton School pupil Maisie Camm, aged 14, said: “It has been really inspirational meeting Helen and seeing her gold medal. I play lacrosse but it was interesting to see the different careers in sport. We looked at physiotherapy at the university, and it is something I am now considering, which I had not done before.”

Fellow classmate Hannah Stephenson, aged 14, added: “Hosting a conference like this is really good for the school.

“It shows us that we can do it and achieve in the many different careers in sport.”

Jenny closed the conference by urging the girls not to set themselves “boundaries”

Sue Hincks, Headmistress of Bolton School Girls’ Division, said: “Helen Glover and Jenny Meadows were uplifting key speakers, who inspired the girls to commit to their chosen sport.

“All of the sessions opened the girls’ minds to the possibilities of a career in sports.”