Forerunners Female Leadership Programme
2023 News
Athletics Ireland is excited to launch the fourth edition of the Forerunners programme, this October 2023! From 2020-2022, the programme has brought a fresh cast of bold leaders, armed with a new vision that will differentiate how we deliver the sport.
Forerunners is Athletics Ireland’s pathway to supporting and encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavours and the programme is recognised by Sport Ireland as a key programme to address current gaps and future opportunities for women in sport.
The programme predominantly focuses on coaching, club development, communication & connectivity. This was AAI’s first step in implementing a strategy for identification, recruitment, & development of women in decision-making roles and supporting them through networking and mentoring.
So, what can I gain by participating?
Previous Forerunners participants have had the opportunity to be connected with like-minded women across the Athletics Ireland membership ranging from administrators, officials, coaches, and leaders, all who emphasised the benefits of accessing a network to offer support to one and other and enable shared learning. The network is particularly helpful for some of the emerging leaders in enabling them to build and develop positive relationships with others who have key experience and expertise.
The programme’s success speaks for itself in developing and supporting a robust pipeline of women in leadership roles. However, what it has created, are great leaders who aren’t afraid to take action and seize opportunities - they recognise that growth and self-development is an ongoing process that requires continuous investment. The great thing is, as leaders, these women have created a ripple effect, that has inspired positive and proactive change in everything they set their minds to.
The 2022 post programme reviews from the Forerunners participants found that:
- 100% found the Forerunners Programme useful in their daily life.
- 93% are more resilient to cope with difficult situations after completing the Forerunners programme.
- 86% said that Forerunners programme helped them now reach a better level in the sport.
- 86% now have the confidence to move roles or levels within Athletics.
The programme has several aims:
- Develop the individual personally and professionally
- Provide opportunity and access for individuals to be involved
- Provide individual and group support for the learners, moderators, and mentors
- Create higher skilled individuals to strengthen local, regional, provincial, and national athletics
- Help address the gender equity balance in Athletics Ireland
- Provide the skills and expertise to empower more women to take on senior leadership roles locally, provincially, and nationally.
Cost
€60, Included in the fee for this course is lunch, learning resources and Forerunners merchandise.
All participants will have the opportunity to attend four full days of workshops and three short evening workshops with mentors. Participants will then focus on a specific strand of personal development and can choose between three options.
You will gain expertise in the following:
- Coaching
- Club Development
- Communication and Connectivity
There are 25 places available.
The programme will be supported by experienced mentors who will encourage and promote learning both on and off the programme.
Programme Dates:
- 7th of October
- 4th of November
- 9th & 10th of December
All four seminars will take place in the University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX.
Irene Clarke former participant in Forerunners said:
I got involved In Forerunners in January 2020. It has given me a greater understanding of the importance of women in sports and both the challenges and opportunities open to them. Coming from a club that has had inclusivity and diversity at its core since its foundation has given me a better perspective on some of the barriers to women in sports.
Participating in the Forerunners Leadership Programme has been an invaluable experience for me. It has provided me with a supportive community of like-minded women who share the same passion for sports leadership. Through engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in various areas such as strategic planning, effective communication, and decision-making. The programme has not only enhanced my confidence in my abilities but has also equipped me with practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges faced by women in leadership positions within the sports industry. Additionally, the connections I have made through the programme have opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Overall, participating in this programme has truly empowered me and given me the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports leadership.
Majella McGrath from Celbridge AC spoke about her involvement in the programme:
I got to meet so many inspiring women from the program organiser, the speakers - Noelle Morrissey and her daughters, Julia Lee, Jeanie Frampton and Aine MacNamara to name a few but most importantly the fabulous bunch of ladies who were on the course with me - some of whom I regularly meet at competition. I learnt to not to dismiss or undervalue my abilities and contribution. When asked to tell people about myself I will never again start with "I'm just a mother" but rather "A mother who...."
Since Forerunners, I have become more involved in the officiating of field events at provincial and national level. It gave me the confidence to attend the starters / starters assistant course and agree to be trained on implement weighing and checking. I am not shy about approaching people and trying to encourage /persuade them to become involved as an official.
I have put myself forward for re-election as Leinster Treasurer and the Leinster Rep on the National. Competitions Committee. Attended my first in person National Congress.
Applications are now open, and you can register your expression of interest to complete the application form, by clicking Forerunners 2023 - Registration Link
Applications close 25th of September 2023. Participants must be female, 18+, able to attend all 4 sessions, and demonstrate an interest in progressing in their chosen field.
For more information, contact lillyannohora@athleticsireland.ie
2022 News
Athletics Ireland is excited to launch the third ever series of the Forerunners programme, this October 2022 !
Forerunners is Athletics Ireland’s pathway to supporting and encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavours and the programme is recognised by Sport Ireland as a key programme to address current gaps and future opportunities for women in sport.
The programme predominantly focuses on coaching, club development, communication & connectivity. This was AAI’s first step in implementing a strategy for identification, recruitment, & development of women in decision-making roles and supporting them through networking and mentoring. The programme’s success speaks for itself in developing and supporting a robust pipeline of women in leadership roles across the country.
The 2021 post programme reviews from the Forerunners participants found that:
- 100% found the Forerunners Programme useful in their daily life.
- 100% are more resilient to cope with difficult situations after completing the Forerunners programme.
- 85% said that Forerunners programme helped them now reach a better level in the sport.
- 79% now have the confidence to move roles or levels within Athletics.
The programme has been a huge success in 2020 and 2021. Participants involved have had the opportunity to connect with likeminded women across the membership such as administrators, coaches and leaders, all who emphasised the benefits of accessing a community of practice to offer support to one and other, enabling shared learning regardless of roles within the sport.
Participants have highlighted a female network is particularly helpful for some of the new female members in building and developing positive relationships with those who have key experience/expertise, whilst also fast tracking their development, but also insisting they have made friends for life!
The programme has several aims:
- Develop the individual personally and professionally
- Provide opportunity and access for individuals to be involved
- Provide individual and group support for the learners, moderators, and mentors
- Create higher skilled individuals to strengthen local, regional, provincial, and national athletics
- Help address the gender equity balance in Athletics Ireland
- Provide the skills and expertise to empower more women to take on senior leadership roles locally, provincially, and nationally.
This programme is funded by Athletics Ireland and Sport Ireland which will allow participants to attend the seminars for free.
All participants will have the opportunity to attend four full days of workshops and three short evening workshops with mentors. Participants will then focus on a specific strand of personal development and can choose between three options.
You will gain expertise in the following:
- Coaching
- Club Development
- Communication and Connectivity
There are 30 places available, with 10 spaces for each individual strand.
The programme will be supported by experienced mentors who will encourage and promote learning both on and off the programme.
Programme Dates:
- 22nd of October
- 19th of November
- 3rd and 4th of December
All four seminars will take place in the National Sports Campus, Snugborough Rd, Abbotstown, Dublin 15, D15 K4PP.
Applications are now open and you can register your expression of interest to complete the application form, by clicking Forerunners 2022- Expression of Interest
Applications close 12th of October. Participants must be female, 18+, able to attend all 4 sessions, and demonstrate an interest in progressing in their chosen field.
Speaking on behalf of the 2021 Forerunners participants, Niamh Bradley shared her personal experience from the programme, “I am so glad to have been part of the Forerunners programme. It honestly came at the right time for me in my life when I was questioning my own abilities. I am so glad that I went for it because it has brought only positive things to me.
Having completed the course, I have to say I came away with a lot of food for thought which has stayed with me since and has helped me believe in myself a lot more. I am very thankful to the Forerunners and Lilly Ann for helping me on my journey.
There are a million things that are brilliant about this course such as meeting all the other inspiring and amazing women, all with different experiences and abilities but also sharing a lot in common. Meeting other clubs and getting help and ideas from them which helped our own club a lot.
The mentoring programme was really fantastic, I was fortunate enough to be paired with Brid Golden, I learned so much from it and it helped me implement some great ideas into our club, which has been very positive for the club.
The course gives you the resources to help you believe in yourself and build confidence and realise that you are better than you think you are. It also taught me that it's s ok to be at the edge of your comfort zone and it's ok to step forward. Forerunners has been such a lovely positive experience for me, I would highly recommend it for all! “
~ Niamh Bradley, Loch Lurgan Athletic Club, Galway 2021 Forerunners Participant
“I completed Forerunners in December 2021, and I found the experience of participating in this leadership program to be very enjoyable and highly informative in terms of the knowledge gained and the network of contacts I established.
The course content fully supported the programs goals, and the guest speakers were so compelling to listen to as they shared their experience and knowledge with us. It was great to hear these diverse perspectives and learn about the challenges the speakers have faced and overcome on their leadership development journey. As well as gaining information and contacts, I also have a mentor working with me focusing on club development at Celbridge AC which helps ensure the continuation of the program’s goals beyond the course participation phase. I would highly recommend this course to any woman interested in taking on a leadership role within her athletics club or team. It will give you the pathway, the support network, and the confidence to take on the challenge. “
~ Sandra Mc Laughlin, Celbridge AC, Kildare 2021 Forerunners Participant
For more information, contact lillyannohora@athleticsireland.ie
2021 News
Athletics Ireland are excited to launch the return of the Forerunners programme this October 2021!
Forerunners is Athletics Ireland’s pathway to supporting and encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavours.
Forerunners is recognised by Sport Ireland as a key programme to address current gaps and future opportunities for women in sport, and as a result provide a pathway for women aspiring to become leaders in their clubs, regions and on a national level.
The programme has several aims:
- Develop the individual personally and professionally
- Provide opportunity and access for individuals to be involved
- Provide individual and group support for the learners, moderators, and mentors
- Create higher skilled individuals to strengthen local, regional, provincial, and national athletics
- Help address the gender equity balance in Athletics Ireland
- Provide the skills and expertise to empower more women to take on senior leadership roles locally, provincially, and nationally.
The purpose of this programme is to assist those who support grassroot to podium development. Athletics Ireland aim to equip female club service officers and leaders in becoming more effective and efficient in their operations. The programme will address the importance of Female Leadership in athletics, its important role in promoting good governance whilst creating invaluable experiences for those involved in the programme.
This programme is funded by Athletics Ireland and Sport Ireland which will allow participants to attend the seminars for free.
All participants will have the opportunity to attend four full days of workshops and three short evening workshops with mentors. Participants will then focus on a specific strand of personal development and can choose between three options.
You will gain expertise in the following:
- Coaching
- Club Development
- Communication and Connectivity
There are 30 places available, with 10 spaces for each individual strand.
The programme will be supported by experienced female mentors who will encourage and promote learning both on and off the programme.
Athletics Ireland are launching a nationwide, action-orientated mentorship programme to support and encourage future female leaders in our sport to reach their potential.
We are extremely committed to increasing women’s sustained involvement in athletics, at every level of our sport.
Programme Benefits:
- Engage with like‐minded future leaders in athletics.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader.
- Hear from a diverse range of female experienced mentors, as well as inspirational leaders from outside of the athletics circle.
- Confidence in your own abilities through practical learning and application.
Programme Dates:
- 30th of October
- 20th of November
- 4th & 5th of December
All four seminars will take place in the Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road , Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 .
Applications are now open and you can register your expression of interest to complete the application form, by clicking Forerunners - Expression of Interest
Applications close 20th of October. Participants must be female, 18+, able to attend all 4 sessions, and demonstrate an interest in progressing in their chosen field.
Speaking on behalf of the 2020 Forerunners participants, Elizabeth Colclough said:
“The Forerunners programme proves that athletics is a sport for life. You can be involved in any aspect of your local club at any stage and age!
Whilst athletics has always demonstrated equality at competition, now with Forerunners, women can learn a whole new set of skills that will enable them to be a part of driving their club forward through the knowledge of systems and doing so with confidence.
My intention and long-term goal is to preserve and promote Waterford AC’s mantra ‘A Club of Equals’ as we near our 100th year in 2022.
Forerunners has afforded me the confidence to be involved in enhancing the structures, policies, and athletic experience we offer locally and as part of the greater WAC Family. I could not overstate the benefits of the programme. It has been informative and fun in equal measure. Having had the pleasure to meet strong, proactive, successful women through Forerunners, I can say with conviction that all the women involved at grassroots level should seek better, do better and take their club to where they feel it deserves to go. You are meant to be here!”
2020 Forerunners Participant Elizabeth Colclough Waterford Athletics Club Lifelong member, Coach, Committee Member and Masters athlete
For more information, contact lillyannohora@athleticsireland.ie
