women’s sport collective launches
New network will support women working in the sport sector
Today sees the launch of the Women’s Sport Collective - an inclusive, collaborative network for women working in the sports sector.
The not-for-profit network will provide a range of opportunities for women, at any stage of their career, to connect, learn, share and support each other. The Women’s Sport Collective will be free to join.
The network has been created by Sue Anstiss and Kate Hannon, from Fearless Women, with an ambition to ensure every woman working in sport fulfils her potential.
The network will launch with a range of member benefits including:
Access and support from other women working in sport
Networking via regular Zoom calls
Educational and inspiring webinars
Monthly newsletter with network and industry updates
Access to a private LinkedIn group
Participation in a mentoring programme
Networking events (when allowed)
Radha Balani, Director of Design & Facilitation at thinkBeyond, said: “It was great to be a part of the pilot for the network this summer, joining over 60 women, from a range of sports and professions, who have met regularly online. It’s fantastic to see those involved already supporting each other, with new initiatives being developed, including a reciprocal mentoring programme.”
One of those also involved from the outset is Sue Storey, CEO of Volleyball England. “I’ve been fortunate to have great support from other women in business throughout my career,” said Sue. “It’s a pleasure to be able to support other females in the sector through the work of this collective, and to also extend my own network. I’ve no doubt that membership of the Women’s Sport Collective will prove a huge asset for any women looking to advance their career in sport.”
Beth Barrett-Wild, Head of The Hundred at the ECB agrees: “Kate and Sue have created a simple, but hugely effective network. Whilst we’ve all missed the opportunity to meet up with others working in sport this summer, the regular Zoom calls have provided a great opportunity to connect and support each other. We’re all looking forward to learning more on the programme of free webinars this autumn”
The network will be truly inclusive, uniting women from across the sector, including officials and coaches, scientists and academics, journalists, broadcasters and freelancers. It will be open to women at all stages of their careers, managing sport at NGBs, teams, leagues and sporting bodies, along with those from agencies and charities.
Current and former athletes will also be welcomed into the Women’s Sport Collective, as Ama Agbeze, who captained the England netball team to Commonwealth Gold, discovered this summer.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know other women in the sector on the regular Zoom calls and smaller breakout groups’ Ama commented. ‘Everyone’s been so open and welcoming, and I’ve already made some really useful connections for the future.’
To find out more about the Women’s Sport Collective, or to register to join, please visit here.