Fearless is a free online leadership programme for members of the Women’s Sport Collective. The four month course supports women working across all areas and levels of sport to build the confidence, skills and connections they need to progress as leaders.

Through practical leadership development and peer support, Fearless helps women lead with greater confidence and create change within their organisations, clubs and communities.

The first programme supported 250 women between April and July 2026.

In feedback immediately after the programme 80% of participants said they felt more confident about their leadership potential, 47% were more confident about having challenging conversations and 70% were already applying programme tools and techniques.

Our second cohort will run from November 2026 to February 2027, with 250 places available.

Fearless is open to women from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from women from underrepresented groups and those who have not previously had access to leadership development.

The free course will include:

  • 1 × 60 minute online ‘Meet your Peers’ session

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

  • 1 × 60 mins online Q&A with a Senior Leader in Sport

  • 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 six things of our members:

  1. Complete the short application questionnaire

  2. Commit to attending all four online sessions taking place on Thursdays at 12–1:30pm (BST) on 19 November, 10 December, 14 January, 11 February

  3. Join the Meet the Peers & Q&A online session on 5 November and 28 January

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

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

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

Course content

Establishing Your Values | 19 November 2026

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 | 10 December 2026

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 | 14 January 2027

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 | 11 February 2027

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 – November 2026 to February 2027

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 consists of an introduction session and 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 Thursday lunchtimes, 12.00–1:30pm BST:

  • Thursday, 5 November 2026 (60 mins)

  • Thursday, 19 November 2026

  • Thursday, 10 December 2026

  • Thursday 14 January 2027

  • Thursday 11 February 2027

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]