Athletics Ireland’s Club Development Leadership programme. An introduction to leadership skills, networking and self-development for women interested in leadership.
Athletics Ireland recognises the need for a support network for the fantastic women who lead our clubs. This program aims to support women who would like to inspire others and be future leaders, to increase their confidence and knowledge and create a network of leaders within our clubs. We would like to invite applications from women in clubs at all levels who are driven and passionate to develop themselves and their community.
Anna Grealish- Women In Sport Lead said
‘The aim of the programme is to give women who are interested in leadership and self-development the opportunity to meet others and learn new skills from experts in this area’
Programme Details
The purpose of the programme is to support and inspire women in clubs who are interested in developing themselves as leaders and want to learn more about the role they can take and the pathway to do so. The participants will be introduced to topics such as networking, developing confidence and courage, communication skills and mentoring. This is an introductory programme for women who would like to find out more about leadership and self-development.
This program is fully funded by Sport Ireland and will cover:
- Improving communication skills, finding your voice and being influential
- Scope to improve your own personal skills, confidence and resilience
- Learn about club culture, governance and the pathway to leadership
- Opportunity to create a network of club leaders and meet like-minded women
Club Support
To apply for the programme the club must endorse and be actively supportive of the applicant and be willing to be involved in their development and continued development. We will be asking clubs who are lucky enough to have a successful candidate to take part in a clubs call at the start of the programme and also champion their club member.
Programme Dates
Please ensure you can attend all the programme dates (1 in person and 1 on-line).
In Person Workshops (Attend One)
Athlone 12th October 10-2pm- Athlone Springs Hotel
Cork 13th October- 10-2pm- Radisson Blue Hotel
On-Line Session
On-Line Session (for all) 24th October 6:30-8pm (zoom)
Course Facilitators
Irene Clark
Irene Clark comes from a background in sports science and is a Sports educator and coach specialising in menopause, endurance sport, and participation sport. She works with active women of all levels from participation to performance and what they all have in common is that they have struggled through the menopause years.
Irene will share insights and experiences as a female coach and leader covering topics such as creating boundaries, building trust, communicating effectively and leading by example, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories to help other women excel as coaches and leaders.
David Denieffe
David Denieffe is the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at South East Technological University in Carlow. With a passion for all sports, he has been involved in delivering club planning, development, leadership and management programmes with a number of NGBs for the past ten years. A Level 2 coach and a Level 5 official in the area of throws, he is also actively involved in athletics with his club, Gowran AC and county Kilkenny.
David will deliver interactive sessions on club culture, governance and developing skills to support you in a club role.
Eliza Downey
Eliza is Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Jo Hopkins Consultancy. Eliza is a former International Rugby and All Ireland winning County Gaelic Football player and has been immersed in the world of sport her entire life. She was also the first Director of Women & Girl’s Rugby with Ulster Rugby for 6 years. Eliza has specialised in the facilitation of Leadership, Coaching, Mentoring and Team Development programmes with a wide range of clients from high performance sport, public, private and non-for-profit sectors
Eliza will deliver the on-line session and will share her vast knowledge in the skills development of networking, communication, courage and confidence and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Anna Grealish
Anna Grealish is Athletics Ireland’s Women in Sport Lead. Anna has worked in sport development for the last 10 years specialising in women in sport and club development. Anna also sits on a European Development Committee for Triathlon Ireland as an elected member.
Anna will facilitate sessions on self-development, personal development plans and clubs networks and mentoring.
How To Apply
Please fill in the following Application Form.
The club must provide a letter of endorsement for the application which must be emailed to annagrealish@athleticsireland.ie
Deadline for Applications is Monday 23rd September 5pm
Inspire Leadership Programme
