19 women from 13 sports have successfully completed the first phase of our Rise female leadership programme and will now receive six months of personalised mentoring to prepare them to make lasting impacts in the sports sector.

Rise is empowering the next generation of female leaders in sport, providing tailored support for female coaches, officials, and administrators across the Derry, Strabane, Causeway Coast, and Mid Ulster areas. With just 19.5% of the coaching workforce being women, and only 10% at elite levels, Rise aims to close this gap by enhancing leadership skills, diversity and inclusion.

Participants have gained tools to thrive in leadership roles, drive change, and make a lasting impact in their sports while learning from each other’s experiences. Rise has also created a supportive network within the sporting community for these women which will last long after the programme ends.

Rebecca Hope, Head of Sports Systems at Sport NI, emphasised the programme’s critical role, sharing, “This programme is vital to achieving gender equality and balance across our sporting systems. The funding we provide is crucial to ensuring female leaders are represented on our boards, committees, clubs, and teams, paving the way for future generations.”

The Rise Programme also provided invaluable insights and mentorship opportunities for participants. Christine McErlean from Cookstown Swim Club said, “One of the things I enjoyed most about the Rise Leadership course was hearing from all the guest speakers and listening to their stories and journeys. The challenges they faced and how they overcame them have been so inspirational, and I’ve taken so much away from it.

The programme has also received support from the local council, including Lilian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, who said, “I am delighted to support Sport NI’s programme empowering women in leadership in sports. This initiative perfectly aligns with our council’s objectives of inclusion and increasing visibility of women in leadership, particularly in sports, to inspire and empower the next generation of young people to engage in sports.”

As our Rise programme draws to a close, it leaves behind a community of empowered women equipped to lead and a legacy that promises to inspire future generations. With stronger representation of women in coaching, leadership, and officiating roles.