Forerunners- 2022- Expression of Interest- (22nd of Oct, 19th of Nov, 3rd and 4th of Dec)

Athletics Ireland is excited to launch the third ever series of the Forerunners programme, this October 2022 !

Forerunners is Athletics Ireland’s pathway to supporting and encouraging our next generation of leading ladies in their athletic endeavours and the programme is recognised by Sport Ireland as a key programme to address current gaps and future opportunities for women in sport.

The programme predominantly focuses on coaching, club development, communication & connectivity. This was AAI’s first step in implementing a strategy for identification, recruitment, & development of women in decision-making roles and supporting them through networking and mentoring. The programme’s success speaks for itself in developing and supporting a robust pipeline of women in leadership roles across the country.

The 2021 post programme reviews from the Forerunners participants found that:

• 100% found the Forerunners Programme useful in their daily life.
• 100% are more resilient to cope with difficult situations after completing the Forerunners programme.
• 85% said that Forerunners programme helped them now reach a better level in the sport.
• 79% now have the confidence to move roles or levels within Athletics.

The programme has been a huge success in 2020 and 2021. Participants involved have had the opportunity to connect with likeminded women across the membership such as administrators, coaches and leaders, all who emphasised the benefits of accessing a community of practice to offer support to one and other, enabling shared learning regardless of roles within the sport

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.

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 mentors who will encourage and promote learning both on and off the programme.

Programme Dates:

• 22^nd of October
• 19^th of November
• 3^rd and 4^th of December

All four seminars will take place in the National Sports Campus, Snugborough Rd, Abbotstown, Dublin 15, D15 K4PP.

Applications are now open and you can register your expression of interest to complete the application form.

Applications close 12^th of October. 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 lillyannohora@athleticsireland.ie