Monthly Online Network Meeting - Women's Sport Collective Oceania
Special Guest: Kerry Harris, Chair of Women Onside

This month we have a special guest who has spent over forty years doing the work, from grassroots football to the Olympic Games, and is now holding the Australian game to account with some of the most rigorous gender equity tools we've seen. We are really excited to have Kerry Harris, Chair of Women Onside, joining us for a conversation about community building, accountability, and what it actually takes to move the needle in football governance.

Thursday 18 June
Auckland / Fiji: 2:00pm
Brisbane / Sydney / Melbourne / Papua New Guinea: 12:00pm (noon)
Adelaide: 11:30am
Perth: 10:00am  

Format: 15 mins - breakout rooms to network 30 mins - Kerry Harris in conversation + Q&A 15 mins - breakout rooms to network

If you're up for building a more equitable sports industry and meeting a bunch of brilliant people on that same journey - whether you've been in this work for years, are just starting out, or are trying to find your way in - you're in exactly the right place.

What to expect

The vibe is warm, laid back and genuinely passionate about wanting better for women in sport across our region. Come as you are, you are so welcome here.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

Join us for a relaxed summer social at The Anthologist, Manchester .

Huge thanks to Laura Hickman-Sparkes for organising.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective.‍ ‍

The Collective is free to join for all women working in sport, you can join here.

Join members in Lausanne for an informal lunch. Please complete the interest form and more details on venue will be forwarded on.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective.‍ ‍

The Collective is free to join for all women working in sport, you can join here.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.

A casual WSC drinks gathering has been organised at BrewDog Waterloo on Thursday 28 May from 6pm.

The event is an informal opportunity for women in the collective to connect, meet others from the network and enjoy a drink or coffee in a relaxed setting. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will be available, alongside a coffee bar.

The venue can be accessed directly from inside Waterloo Station (near platforms 20–24) or via the outside entrance.

If you would like to attend, please email lily@19social.net by 23 May so final numbers can be shared with the venue.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective.‍ ‍

The Collective is free to join for all women working in sport, you can join here.

Join us for the Women’s Sport Collective Manchester Meet-Up, Spotlight Session and Networking

Come and be part of a morning that celebrates the impact of women in sport.

At this meet-up, we’ll hear from former professional cricketer, Phoebe Graham and Founder of Foudy's Helen Hardy, who will share their experiences of founding and establishing businesses in Women's Sport

You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow members working across the sector, building the networks and support that sit at the heart of the Women’s Sport Collective.

With thanks to Mills & Reeve for kindly hosting us.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective - its free to join here.

We’re thrilled to welcome Judy Murray for an exclusive live Q&A.

A true pioneer in tennis coaching, Judy has played a transformative role in developing the game at every level—from grassroots participation to elite performance. Best known for her work with players including her sons, she has also been a driving force behind initiatives to grow women and girls’ tennis across the UK, and served as Great Britain’s Fed Cup captain.

Join us on May 19, 6–7pm for an insightful conversation as Judy shares her experiences, lessons from the high-performance environment, and her perspective on building inclusive coaching pathways.

Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and the chance to put your questions directly to one of sport’s most influential coaching figures.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective.‍ ‍

The Collective is free to join for all women working in sport, you can join here.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective.‍ ‍

The Collective is free to join for all women working in sport, you can join here.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.

Join the Women’s Sport Collective for an informal meet-up where we’ll hear from a woman leading a SportsTech business, sharing insight from her journey building and scaling in this space. There will be time for questions, networking and introductions in the room.

Schedule

• 4.00pm – Arrival, drinks and registration

• 4.30pm – Structured Networking

• 5:00pm - Hear from a woman leading a sports tech business

• 5.15pm – Short break

• 5.40pm – Canapés served

• 6.00pm – 6.30pm – Open networking

A selection of meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free canapés will be served. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options will be available throughout.

Venue

Fox Williams LLP

10 Finsbury Square

London

EC2A 1AF

Media

Please note that photography and filming may take place at this event. By registering, you consent to Women’s Sport Collective and Fox Williams LLP using images for promotional purposes. Please do let us know if you’d prefer not to be included.

This event is only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective - you can join for free here.

IMG is delighted to invite members of the Women’s Sport Collective to their studios for an afternoon of discussions, studio tours and networking as we explore the evolution of sports broadcasting and technology. 

• Date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

• Location: IMG Studios, Stockley Park, 5 Longwalk Rd, Hayes, Uxbridge UB11 1FE 

• Timings: 1:45pm - 5pm     

• Travel: Free parking available on site. Closest stations are Hayes & Harling or Uxbridge.      

The afternoon will begin with a panel discussion exploring the future of remote and cloud production, AI-powered global sports events and emerging innovations, including renewable hydrogen technology. This is an opportunity to hear directly from some of IMG’s female leaders who are working at the forefront of technology in sport, sharing their insights on the rapidly evolving broadcast landscape: 

• Sally Wood (SVP, Golf, Studios)

• Danielle O’Reilly (VP, Business & Culture Transformation)

• Charlotte Winter (Senior Director, Technical Production, Studios)
  Faye Curran (Director, Live Technology, Studios)

The talk will be followed by an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of IMG’s studios – the best-connected broadcast centre in Europe. The afternoon will finish with networking with industry peers and members of IMG’s women’s employee resource group WISE: Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment. 

If you work in the broadcast technology space at management level or above, or are looking to transition into this area, we would love for you to join us. 

To register your interest (only open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective) , please email Production.Recruitment@img.com with your full name and LinkedIn profile.

Please note that spaces are limited to 30 attendees, so be sure to register your interest by 12pm GMT, Wednesday 15th April to avoid disappointment!

Join us for an informal Women’s Sport Collective meet-up at Crossbar Brighton on Thursday 23 April from 6pm.

This is a chance to come together with other members working in sport, make new connections and spend time with the community in a relaxed setting. We’ll also be celebrating a special milestone, with Sue marking her 60th birthday a day early.

A big thank you to Lucy and the team at Crossbar for hosting us and reserving space for the group.

We’d love to see you there.

Join the Women’s Sport Collective, Sport Birmingham and This Girl Can for a morning focused on women in coaching and coaching women and girls.

We’ll be bringing together coaches, leaders and those interested in coaching to explore the realities of working in the space — the opportunities, the challenges and what support really makes a difference. Through a panel conversation with women working across sport, we’ll share honest experiences, practical insights and lessons learned along the way.

The panel will include:

• Emily Handyside is Head Coach of Wales Netball and Coaching Lead at UK Coaching. With over 20 years in high performance sport, she has led international success and plays a key role in developing coaches, leaders and workforce capability across the sector. She is also a strong advocate for women in coaching.

• Melissa Dhillon is a Performance Psychologist and Founder of Athletes In The Zone, working with elite athletes, teams and organisations across sport and business. A former competitive tennis player, she combines lived experience with applied psychology to support performance under pressure and develop high-performing individuals and cultures. She is particularly passionate about empowering women to step into their identity and perform at their best.

There will also be time for structured networking, creating space to connect, share experiences and build relationships with others working in sport.

As part of the session, there will be an opportunity to go behind the scenes at Villa Park, offering a unique insight into one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues.

Whether you’re currently coaching, supporting coaches or thinking about your next step, this is a chance to connect, learn and spend time with others who understand the space.

Agenda

10:00 Arrival

10:00-10:30 Informal networking

10:30-11:00 Panel including coaches from a range of sports

11:00-11:30 Structured networking

11:30-12:00 Behind the scene tour of Villa Park Stadium

A huge thank you to Nicola English and the team at Sport England for organising and Aston Villa Foundation for hosting us at Villa Park.

Location: William McGregor Room, Trinity Stand, Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham, B6 6HE

This event is open to members of the Women’s Sport Collective - you can join for free here.

We have 30 places for members to join us at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships with a focus on careers in sports events.

You’ll hear from senior women at Aquatics GB, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Championships and connect with fellow WSC members. We’ll then take our seats to watch some of the country’s best swimmers in action.

Places are limited and will be prioritised for those who can demonstrate how this opportunity would support their career.

Thank you to Karen Webb-Moss and Aquatics GB for hosting us. We’ll confirm places by 9 March.

Women’s Sport Collective – Stockholm Meet-Up

We are delighted to invite members of the Women’s Sport Collective based in Sweden to our first Stockholm meet-up.

This informal gathering is an opportunity to connect with other women working across sport, share what you’re currently involved in and help shape how the Stockholm community might grow in the months ahead.

Whether you are working directly in sport, connected through the wider ecosystem or simply interested in building your network in this space, you are very welcome to join us.

Location

Tennant & Partner

Norr Mälarstrand 14

112 20 Stockholm

Format

In person, with the option to join online

Refreshments

Light snacks and drinks will be provided for those attending in person.

Agenda

The session will be informal and conversational, including:

• Introductions and getting to know each other

• Sharing what you are currently working on

• Discussing what you would like to gain from being part of the group

• Exploring ideas for future meet-ups and collaboration

• Shaping how the Stockholm collective could develop moving forward

Please confirm by 16 March, indicating:

• Whether you will attend in person or online

• The email address you would like used for communication (particularly if joining online)

We’re really looking forward to bringing this group together and starting to build a Women’s Sport Collective community in Stockholm.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

Registrations links are in the first pinned post of the closed LinkedIn group and in the monthly newsletters.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.

Join us this International Women’s Day at SportPark, Loughborough

As part of International Women’s Day 2026 celebrations, the Youth Sport Trust will be hosting an in-person networking event at SportPark in Loughborough.

📅 Thursday 12 March 2026

🕔 16:30 – 18:30 (arrivals and informal networking from 16:30, panel from 17:00)

📍 Playground Room, SportPark, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QF

This relaxed and welcoming evening will bring together women working across the sport industry to connect, share experiences and celebrate the impact of women in sport.

The highlight of the event will be a panel conversation including:

• Ali Oliver, CEO of Youth Sport Trust

• Sadé Paul-Henry, Founder of Women Who Can

Together, they’ll share honest reflections on their journeys as women in sport, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they empower themselves and others within the industry.

A huge thank you to the Youth Sport Trust for organising this meet up.

Heather Force, Switzerland-based member of the Women’s Sport Collective, invites members to an evening of networking and women’s ice hockey during the PWFL semi-finals, featuring EV Zug Women’s Team.

We’ll meet at 67 Sportsbar before watching the 19:30 match together. Limited places. Register to secure yours.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

Registrations links are in the first pinned post of the closed LinkedIn group and in the monthly newsletters.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.

Join the Essex Rebels for a special International Women’s Day celebration on Saturday 7th March, featuring an action-packed basketball doubleheader, a vibrant Fanzone, and an inspiring Networking Event in collaboration with the Women’s Sport Collective.

The day will start at 2:00pm with an electric Fanzone outside the Essex Sport Arena, complete with music, games, local market stalls and more — creating a festival atmosphere for fans of all ages.

In addition to the Fanzone, the Essex Rebels will host a Networking Event, Lead Like a Rebel, in collaboration with the Women’s Sport Collective from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Celebrating women who lead in the sports industry, the event will explore how women develop leadership skills, grow confidence, and shape meaningful careers in sport. The programme includes a Structured Networking workshop and a panel discussion (full panel to be announced soon), followed by open networking. All attendees will receive a complimentary ticket to the Essex Rebels Women’s game.

Once the networking wraps up, the basketball takes centre stage with two thrilling matchups: 

• Essex Rebels Women vs Newcastle Eagles — 4:00pm

• Essex Rebels Men vs Hemel Storm — 6:30pm

Whether you're coming to network, support women in sport, or cheer on the Rebels, it’s set to be an inspiring and energetic day celebrating International Women’s Day.

EVENT SCHEDULE

2:00pm — Rebels Fanzone
2:00pm — Lead Like a Rebel Networking Event in collaboration with the Women’s Sport Collective
4:00pm — Essex Rebels Women vs Newcastle Eagles
6:30pm — Essex Rebels Men vs Hemel Storm

**🏸 Join us at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship 2026**

We’re delighted to invite you to a very special behind-the-scenes experience at the world’s most iconic badminton tournament on Wednesday 4 March at the Utilita Arena Birmingham

• ✨ 9.45am – Meet in the Sky VIP Lounge

• ✨ 10.00am – Welcome from Sue Storey, CEO, Badminton England

• ✨ 10.30am – Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour

• ✨ From 11.00am – networking and enjoy live championship matches throughout the day

Your place includes a complimentary ticket to the championships, with open seating so you can explore the arena and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

The morning will be hosted by Naga Reddy, Women’s Sport Collective Advisory Panel member and former professional badminton player. Huge thanks to Naga and Badminton England for this brilliant opportunity.

Spaces are limited so please be quick.

If you’re based in Switzerland, come along for an informal Women’s Sport Collective gathering near Lausanne Gare station. ( full details when registered)

This is a relaxed coffee meet-up to connect with other women working across sport in the region – a chance to share stories, ideas and build your local network.

📍 Near Lausanne station

☕ Buy your own

👋 New members very welcome

Workshop: Building Confidence for Sport and Life

Join this interactive session to discover how coaches can help young people build confidence through sport—not by making big changes to their sessions, but by viewing what they already do through a new lens. Drawing on Fight for Peace’s experience working with young people through boxing and mentoring, learn how small, everyday moments on the pitch, court, or in the gym can spark lasting confidence that carries into life beyond sport.

You’ll explore practical ways to create confidence-building opportunities through three key coaching behaviours:

• Responsibility: Give young people roles that challenge them and show trust.

• Recognition: Celebrate small wins and positive behaviours, not just results.

• Reflection: Involve young people’s voices in shaping sessions.

Led by Fight for Peace’s Head of Strategic Programmes and Innovation, Ana Vacas, and hear real experiences from Fight for Peace’s Head of Sports, Silvino Domingoes, and boxing coach Percival Tussamba, including Percy’s story of growing in confidence as a young athlete and how he now helps others do the same. 

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to:

• See how confidence in sport transfers to life.

• Identify simple coaching behaviours that build confidence.

• Reflect on small changes to enhance your sessions.

The session will finish with an introduction to Life Champions, an online course (developed with UK Coaching) offering tools to further develop young people’s life skills, including communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness.

Huge thank you to the team at Fight for Peace for leading this session.

As conversations around menopause grow across industries, it’s vital we understand the real impact on women in the workplace. Former Sky Sports Producer and Journalist Anna Allerton joins us to share her lived experience of perimenopause, how it reshaped her career path and informs her work now as an Executive Coach.

As co-founder of Field to Boardroom, Anna is purpose-led in creating space for women’s health conversations across the sports sector. In this session, she will offer practical tools to support our own health and explore how, as leaders, we can set the standard for more supportive and inclusive workplaces for women. 

“Always On” with She’s A Baller

The Women’s Sport Collective is pleased to invite WSC members to an interactive in-person “Always On” session and panel hosted by She’s A Baller at their London head office this February.

This session will explore sports marketing and how to build and engage audiences on social, with practical insight from She’s A Baller and the chance to connect with fellow members of the Women’s Sport Collective community.

You’ll hear honest perspectives on what it takes to cut through, build meaningful audiences and create campaigns that resonate — alongside dedicated time to network with women working across sport, marketing and media.

Event details

Event: Always On – with She’s A Baller

Location: She’s A Baller Head Office, London (full address to be shared with attendees)

Date: Wednesday 18 February

Time: 3.00–5.00pm

What we’ll cover

• Always On: Social – building and sustaining engaged audiences

• Always On: Partnerships and campaigns – what works and why

• Always On: Insights – what social audiences are saying

• Always On: Networking – connect with fellow WSC members

This event is open exclusively to Women’s Sport Collective members.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register now to secure your place.

Further details will be shared with confirmed attendees.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

Registrations links are in the first pinned post of the closed LinkedIn group and in the monthly newsletters.

This month’s meeting will featuring Antonia Beggs, Head of the Australian Open and GM of Major Events and Operations at Golf Australia.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.

Stay connected & build your network as you meet other women working in sport at our monthly online meetings.

Very relaxed & informal. No preparation needed.

Registrations links are in the first pinned post of the closed LinkedIn group and in the monthly newsletters.

What to expect

If you've not come to one of our online meetings before, and are feeling a little nervous, let us reassure you with the format...

• As you join the call and you're invited to introduce yourself in the chat area

• It's a nice chance to look across at others on the call and see if there's anyone you know!

• A short welcome from the Host with news of what's coming up for the Women's Sport Collective

• The host works her magic and sends us off into random groups of four where we introduce ourselves and chat about our roles and what we're working on. Very informal, just a chance to get to know 3 women and find out about different areas of the sports industry.

• You're brought back into the main room and we'll hear from a member for about 10 minutes as she chats about her career and anyone can ask questions at the end

• We head back into rooms to meet 3 different women and again make introductions and have an informal chat

• Back into the main room for wrap up and goodbye (and maybe a big group photo).
  
  That's it.