Forerunners - 2021- Expressions of Interest Sought

Female Athletic Leadership Programme

Autumn 2021

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 and coach.
    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:

October 30th
November 20th
December 4th & 5th

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 on

Forerunners - Expression of Interest

Applications close October 20th. 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lilly-Ann O'Hora
Athletics Ireland Women in Sport Officer