Forerunners 2023-7th of October,4th of November,9th & 10th of December

Athletics Ireland is excited to launch the fourth edition of the Forerunners programme, this October 2023! From 2020-2022, the programme has brought a fresh cast of bold leaders, armed with a new vision that will differentiate how we deliver the sport.

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.

So, what can I gain by participating?

Previous Forerunners participants have had the opportunity to be connected with like-minded women across the Athletics Ireland membership ranging from administrators, officials, coaches, and leaders, all who emphasised the benefits of accessing a network to offer support to one and other and enable shared learning. The network is particularly helpful for some of the emerging leaders in enabling them to build and develop positive relationships with others who have key experience and expertise.

The 2022 post programme reviews from the Forerunners participants found that:

• 100% found the Forerunners Programme useful in their daily life.
• 93% are more resilient to cope with difficult situations after completing the Forerunners programme.
• 86% said that Forerunners programme helped them now reach a better level in the sport.
• 86% now have the confidence to move roles or levels within Athletics.

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.

Cost

€60, Included in the fee for this course is lunch, learning resources and Forerunners merchandise.

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 25 places available.

The programme will be supported by experienced mentors who will encourage and promote learning both on and off the programme.

Programme Dates:

• 7^th of October
• 4^th of November
• 9^th & 10^th of December

Time - 9.30am - 4pm every day

All four seminars will take place in the University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX.

For more information, contact lillyannohora@athleticsireland.ie