Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) welcomes applications for 2023

Based in over 60 countries, nearly 400 women in middle-to-senior management or board positions have attended a WSLA programme since 2014.
The under-representation and lack of development opportunities for women leaders in sport has been identified for decades. In response, the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) was established to provide unique development opportunities for women leaders from around the world to step up, take lead and make an impact.
Designed and delivered in partnership with Leading Edge, the 2023 residential week combines essential elements for self-critical learning and development, cultivated within a safe, multicultural, diverse and trusting environment. The programme includes high-profile guest speakers, workshops, personal development planning, national and international support groups, as well as physical activities.
The 2023 programme is seeking applications from women who occupy middle-to-senior management or board positions across a range of international, national and regional sport organisations. They will have been identified as future leaders at senior management level by their organisations who had also committed to support their employee after the week has finished.
The week is unique in the sector given that it is inclusive of women leaders from sport, sport-for-development, and e-sports. Regular supporters of those who have attended include the International Paralympic Committee, World Rowing, the Football Association, SportScotland, and Moving the Goalposts Kilifi.
WSLA 2023 will support women leaders to enhance their leadership skills and behaviours to navigate the challenges that are part of leading an organisation. The programme will also encourage them to identify their strengths, goals and ambitions to support their desired career path; championing who they are and others around them.
WSLA does not aim to “fix”, “upskill” or “teach” women. We know that women already have the skills and knowledge to excel. Instead, the programme challenges participants to really think about what leadership means to them, what they want to achieve, how they can go about doing it, and provide insight into tackling problematic systems and cultures.
As such, the programme will also grow an understanding of their organisational and cultural environment, recognise opportunities and challenges, and influence fellow allies and champions to create positive change. Before, during and after, WSLA engages with the employers of the participant to support their ongoing development and wider influence.
To learn more about WSLA, read and listen to testimonies from graduates of our programmes, and see how the programme can work for you or someone you employ, please visit www.wsla.co.uk. Applications close 28 February 2023.
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