About Forerunners

Forerunners is Athletics Ireland’s pathway to supporting and encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavors.

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 3-month programme has been designed to support, assist and facilitate in the fields of coaching, club development, communication and connectivity. 

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.