Thirty-two leaders in sport from around the world gathered at the University of Chichester last week for the 2026 Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA), describing the experience as transformative.
WSLA is an annual international leadership programme that supports women working across sport to develop their leadership skills and drive positive change within their organisations.
This year’s cohort represent 16 countries and hold management positions across a range of international, national and regional sport organisations. Three of this year’s participants shared their reflections on the programme.
Helen Frost, Head of Marketing and Public Affairs at Scottish Swimming, said: “For me, it has been a life-changing experience. I thought I would develop more confidence and connect with others, and I have done that – but I have also discovered how being more open and honest about my own challenges can help me become a better leader.
“The WSLA effect is really incredible; I think I have made lifelong friends.”
Ojonoka Agudah, Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial, for International Paralympic Committee, Germany, said: “WSLA has been amazing. I have made genuine connections with women who are in similar positions to me. Having this sense of community, and realising I am not alone in my journey, is really important.”
Ranoe Samlal, Office Manager for the Suriname Olympic Committee, said: “I really enjoyed working with such a great group of women.
“There are four important elements in life that help you stay balanced; mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. When these four areas are in balance you can feel stronger, more confident and more complete as a person. What I noticed is that this training brings it all together.”
Designed and delivered in a partnership between the University and Leading Edge Performance, the programme is built around four core themes known as the ‘four Cs’ – competencies, confidence, context and commitment. This helps participants to strengthen their leadership behaviours, identify their ambitions and career goals, and better understand the organisational and cultural environments in which they work.
Through a focus on self-awareness, strategic influence and inclusive leadership, participants are equipped to champion both their own development and that of those around them.
The week-long course combines interactive workshops, peer support and reflection sessions, physical activities and personal development planning, alongside insights from experienced facilitators and guest speakers.
Following the residential week, each participant is matched with a senior industry leader through a dedicated mentoring programme, ensuring their leadership journey continues beyond the academy.
Dr Jordan Matthews, Academic Lead for the University’s Business School, helps to organise the week. He said: “Upon welcoming our participants, we reiterate that WSLA is not a traditional leadership development programme. It is an intense, emotive and experiential week. And a few days later, after trusting the space and the process that our facilitators have created, we see the effect of WSLA on our participants. It is a privilege to share the week with them.”
To learn more about WSLA, visit: www.wsla.co.uk.