Project to empower next gen of female leaders

A programme looking to empower a new generation of female leaders in sport has launched in Northern Ireland.

The Rise programme, funded by Sport Northern Ireland, will provide tailored support for female coaches, officials and sport administrators working in clubs, governing bodies and local sports forums across the region.

The 18-month programme will see 19 women participate in the programme, representing 13 different sports, from camogie and athletics to lawn bowls and Olympic weightlifting.

Throughout the programme, the group of officials, coaches and board members will delve into a range of different topics including self-confidence and assertiveness, leading in a male dominated environment, crisis management, communication skills and building a team and leading change in an organisation.

The interactive, blended programme provides participants with the opportunity to work and focus on their own development while also learning from others and hearing about their experiences of leadership.

Statistics show women are less likely to have taken part in sport at least once within the last year, 55%, than men, 62%. At post primary school level of those who never participated in sport outside school 45% were girls compared with 31% boys. This gap gets wider on “the sidelines”, with women representing less than a fifth (just 19.5%) of the overall sports and physical activity coaching workforce.

The figure drops to just 10% for those who coach in World, Olympic or Paralympic athletes.