A specialised international programme designed to develop female leaders in sport has received enthusiastic endorsement from those who took part.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy convened at the University of Chichester, uniting 32 individuals in leadership positions representing 16 nations.
The gathering spanned seven days, focusing on professional growth, building professional networks and mutual encouragement among participants.
The initiative seeks to provide women active in the sporting industry with the capabilities and self-assurance required to implement beneficial transformations within their respective organisations and the broader sporting landscape.
Helen Frost, who serves as head of marketing and public affairs at Scottish Swimming, stated that the experience had fundamentally altered her perspective.
She noted that while she had anticipated gaining increased confidence and establishing connections with fellow professionals, she had also uncovered how greater transparency regarding personal obstacles could enhance her effectiveness as a leader.
She described the overall impact of the programme as remarkable and expressed that she had formed relationships she expected to maintain throughout her life.
The 2026 group comprised individuals occupying leadership roles across international, national and regional sporting bodies.
Ojonoka Agudah, senior legal counsel in the commercial division of the International Paralympic Committee based in Germany, expressed that the programme had been an outstanding experience.
She explained that she had forged authentic relationships with women occupying comparable professional situations.
She emphasised that developing a sense of shared purpose and understanding that her professional path was not unique held considerable significance.
The curriculum is delivered collaboratively by the University of Chichester alongside Leading Edge Performance.
The framework centres on what are termed the four foundational elements of competencies, confidence, context and commitment.
Instruction encompasses seminars, introspective discussions, exercise-based activities and individual advancement strategy creation, with guidance provided by seasoned experts and visiting specialists.
Every delegate receives allocation to an established figure from the sporting industry through a structured mentorship arrangement to support their continued progression following the conclusion of the intensive residential period.
Dr Jordan Matthews, serving as academic lead within the Business School at the University of Chichester, noted that upon participants’ arrival, emphasis was placed on clarifying that the programme diverges from conventional leadership training.
He characterised it as a rigorous, emotionally engaging and практичний (practical/experiential) week-long experience.
He observed that after participants had embraced the environment and methodology established by facilitators, the tangible outcomes of their involvement became apparent.
He expressed that accompanying participants through this period represented a source of considerable professional satisfaction.