Global women in sport leaders gather in Chichester for leadership academy

32 women working in sport from around the world have gathered at the University of Chichester for the 2026 Women’s Sport Leadership Academy.

The annual programme, known as WSLA, is designed to support women working across sport to develop their leadership skills and help drive positive change within their organisations.

This year’s participants represented 16 countries and held management positions across a range of international, national and regional sporting organisations.

The week-long academy combined interactive workshops, peer support and reflection sessions, physical activities and personal development planning.

It is designed around four core themes known as the “four Cs” – competencies, confidence, context and commitment.

Organisers say these are intended to help participants strengthen their leadership behaviours, identify career ambitions and gain a better understanding of the organisational and cultural environments in which they work.

Participants also focused on self-awareness, strategic influence and inclusive leadership.

Several of those attending described the experience as transformative.

Helen Frost, Head of Marketing and Public Affairs at Scottish Swimming, said the academy had been “life-changing”.

She 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 the International Paralympic Committee in Germany, said the programme had helped create valuable connections.

She 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 the programme had helped bring together different aspects of personal development.

She 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.”

The academy is designed and delivered through a partnership between the University of Chichester and Leading Edge Performance.

Following the residential week, each participant is matched with a senior industry leader through a dedicated mentoring programme.

Organisers say this allows the leadership development to continue after participants leave Chichester.

Dr Jordan Matthews, Academic Lead for the University’s Business School, helps organise the academy.

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.”

The Women’s Sport Leadership Academy is held annually and brings together women working across different areas and levels of sport from around the world.

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