Welcome to Fearless, a free, online Women’s Leadership Programme being piloted in 2026 for members of the Women’s Sport Collective. The ambition of the programme is to support women as they step into leadership roles, ultimately helping to create a more diverse, inclusive sporting system.

This pilot programme will run from April to July 2026 with 250 participants..

We hope that this programme will play an important role in strengthening leadership pathways for women working across sport at all levels, and that participants will take that leadership and ambition back to their organisations, clubs and communities.

Whilst this programme is open to women working across sport from all backgrounds, we are particularly keen to encourage those from underrepresented groups, along with women who may not previously had access to leadership training of this kind.

Registration for this programme has now closed.

Join the Women's Sport Collective
Join the Women's Sport Collective

The free course will include:

  • 4 x 90 minute online sessions with Leadership Coach and Certified Master Trainer Chloe Walton covering Values, Leadership Styles, Confidence and Resilience, and Courageous Communication

  • A closed WhatsApp group where participants can connect and support each other as they put what they have learnt into action

  • Access to curated learning materials including podcasts, videos and articles

In order to register for this free course, we ask five things of our members:

  1. Complete the short application questionnaire

  2. Commit to attending all four online sessions taking place on Tuesdays, 12.30–2pm (BST) on April 14, May 19, June 23 and July 14 2026

  3. Join the WhatsApp group for those participating in the programme

  4. Provide feedback as requested (eg via an end of programme survey)

  5. Be kind and supportive of others completing the course with you

Course content

Establishing Your Values
Tuesday, April 14 | 12.30–2pm (BST)

This opening session establishes what drives you. You’ll explore your personal values and gain deeper insight into who you are, what you stand for and what truly matters to you at work.

Your values will become the foundation for the rest of the programme, shaping your decisions, behaviours, boundaries and leadership approach.

Authentic Leadership Styles
Tuesday, May 19 | 12.30–2pm (BST)

With your values defined, we’ll explore how you lead.

You’ll explore different leadership styles, examine what effective leadership looks like in practice and identify the approach that feels authentic to you. The focus is on leading in alignment with your values, not imitating others, but strengthening your own natural style.

Leading with Confidence and Resilience
Tuesday, June 23 | 12.30–2pm (BST)

Now we focus on mindset.

This session explores confidence, imposter syndrome, emotional resilience and managing pressure. You’ll develop practical tools to sustain yourself, stay grounded and lead consistently, especially in high-pressure environments.

Courageous Communication
Tuesday, July 14 | 12.30–2pm (BST)

We close the programme by putting everything into action.

With clarity around your values, confidence in your leadership style and greater resilience, you’ll be ready to step into courageous conversations. This session will equip you to speak up, set boundaries and lead visibly.

  • No. The programme is completely free.

  • We encourage participants to attend all sessions live, but recordings will be available.

  • No. Everyone will start the programme together, but there will be more opportunities with more cohorts in the future.

  • Chloe Walton, a highly experienced Leadership Coach and Certified Master Facilitator who has worked with the team at the Women’s Sport Collective for the past six years.

  • Our members identified the areas they would like covered in last year’s members’ survey.  

  • Unfortunately CPD points are not available for the pilot programme this year, but we are exploring options for the future.

  • We will provide you with a link to find interesting and relevant podcasts, articles and talks, but there is no obligation to complete any coursework.

FAQs

Template letter to share with your employer if needed (please feel free to cut, paste and edit)

Subject: Request to attend free leadership programme – April–July 2026

Hello [name]

I wanted to let you know I've been accepted onto Fearless, a free online leadership programme run by the Women's Sport Collective, and to ask for your support in my attending.

The programme runs from April to July 2026 and consists of four 90-minute online sessions covering values, leadership styles, confidence and resilience, and courageous communication. There's also access to a peer community and online learning platform throughout.

Sessions are on four Tuesday lunchtimes, 12.30–2pm BST:

  • Tuesday 14 April

  • Tuesday 19 May

  • Tuesday 23 June

  • Tuesday 14 July

As everything is online and during lunchtime, I don't anticipate significant disruption to my working day. The programme is completely free, so there's no cost to the organisation.

[Optional: Add a line here about why leadership development is relevant to your current role.]

Would you be happy for me to attend?

Thanks, [Your name]