Sport Australia has said that its Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) workshops are playing a significant role in bringing change to the sector.
According to Sport Australia its research has revealed that one in 10 women who attended its 2021 workshop had since stepped into a more senior role in sport.
“Furthermore, 93 per cent reported feeling more confident in their role and 92 per cent plan to progress into a senior position in the near future,” Sport Australia said.
With applications for this year’s workshops now open, former WLIS participant, Lou Broadfoot urged women to apply, saying her attendance had “opened my eyes to a new world of opportunities”.
“In August 2021, I started a new career as a Senior Integrity Officer with Tennis Australia after some 20 years as a police officer,” Ms Broadfoot said.
“’It’s been a great opportunity to combine my policing skills in investigating, interviewing and conflict management with my sporting background as an Australian cricket player, coach and administrator,” she said.
Another WLIS participant, Suzie Butler (pictured) followed a similar path, switching to a full-time role in sport soon after completing the workshop.
“It gave me the confidence to rip off the security blanket of Local Government and accept a new role as Executive Project Officer with Gymnastics WA,’’ Ms Butler said.
“I knew that if I wanted to be a great leader and learn how to apply the skills then this was the opportunity for a new direction,” she said.
The free, seven-week workshop begins in May and is on offer to all women administrators, coaches, officials, volunteers and sports journalists.
Applications close on 11 March, and further information can be found at this PS News link.
