A University of Chichester academic has shared his expertise in developing female leaders at a major international summit on gender equality in sport.
Dr Jordan Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, spoke at the International Working Group on Women & Sport Global Summit, held in Birmingham from July 9 to 11.
More than 900 delegates attended the event to challenge existing thinking, share practical ideas and explore what is needed to move “Beyond the Breakthrough” for women and girls in sport and physical activity.
Dr Matthews took part in a panel discussion titled Designing Leadership Programmes for the Future.
He drew on a decade of experience with the University of Chichester’s Women’s Sport Leadership Academy, known as WSLA, which provides leadership development opportunities for women working in sport around the world.
He also shared insights produced alongside doctoral research students Michelize Van Heerden and Hatice Kubra Yilmaz.
The two researchers presented initial findings from their work during digital poster sessions following the panel discussion.
Their research examines the impact that leadership development programmes can have on women and the organisations for which they work.
Jordan said: “It was a fantastic experience to network with some of the most influential figures across sport. We knew there would only be a handful of academics in attendance, so our team worked hard to ensure our messaging was appropriate for the Summit delegates. We also intended to further establish our profiles, including that of WSLA and the University. I’m grateful for the Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) that meant I could attend.”
Keynote speakers at the 2026 summit included International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe and American businesswoman and football club owner Michele Kang.
The summit has been held every four years since 1994, with the University of Chichester represented at each of the past four events.
Dr Matthews and his team are now preparing for the 11th annual Women’s Sport Leadership Academy, which will take place in August.
The programme aims to help women from around the world develop their leadership skills, take on greater responsibilities and make an impact within the sport sector.
This year’s cohort includes 34 participants from 18 countries, ranging from middle and senior managers to board members working across international, national and regional sporting federations and sport-for-change organisations.
All of the participants have been identified by their organisations as potential future senior leaders.
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