Last night was special, it was the official launch of Your Sport Your Way’s Leadership Development Programme with St Mirren WFC.
We talk a lot about the lack of female leaders in sport. Only last week it was reported that 9 in 10 young women in sport want to see more female leaders, and yet the gap persists.
But here’s what I know: the journey to leadership doesn’t start in a boardroom or when someone hands you a captain’s armband.
It starts much, much earlier.
And if we’re serious about creating change? We need to meet them there.
That’s why programmes like this matter so much to me.
Because leadership isn’t something that magically appears when you’re “ready” or when someone gives you permission.
The 11 incredible women from St Mirren WFC who’ve joined the programme all say they want to lead better, within their team, their sport, and their community.
Some have been playing first-team football for years. Others are just starting their senior journey. Different ages, different experiences, different positions.
But here’s what they all have in common: influence.
Whether they realise it or not.
Whether they’re 18 or 28. Whether they start every game or come on later as an impact player. Whether they’re naturally vocal or naturally quiet.
I can’t wait to see where these five sessions take them. This is how change happens, one empowered leader at a time.
Their teammates are watching them. Younger players are watching them. Their community is watching them.
They’re already leading, we’re just helping them do it intentionally.
Because leadership? It’s not about the title. It’s about the impact you create.
The change you make in your own life and in the lives of others.
These women are learning practical tools they can use tomorrow at training. Not theory they’ll forget next week. Real skills that will shape their careers, their teams, and the next generation of players watching them.
If we want more female leaders in sport, this is where it starts.
With players who are ready to step into their influence. With courage over comfort. With action over waiting for permission.
