NSW Government launches new project to boost female sports leadership

A key component of the NSW Government’s election promise was to drive outcomes for women in sport, in governance, as coaches, or building the next generation of female leaders.

As part of the Organisational Support Program, the new 'Female Leadership and Fair Play Project' which aims to deliver the next generation of female sporting leaders, has been launched following an agreement between the NSW Government and peak body Sport NSW.

The NSW Government will provide $250,000 to Sport NSW to deliver the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project which will expand on Sport NSW's female leadership and Fast Track for Female Coaches program to increase the number of female leaders and coaches in NSW sport.

The project will also support the implementation of the NSW Sport Fair Play network which will support and advise on initiative to make community sport environments more welcoming and supportive for participants at a grass root level.

The aim of this initiative is to build a pipeline of board ready female leaders to support gender equity on boards and close the gender gap amongst coaches in pathway and elite coaching roles.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper noted "the NSW Government is committed to supporting pathways for female coaches and officials in sport.

"Participants in this project will become role models for future female coaches and athletes, increasing the depth of knowledge and expertise among female coaches in this state. Importantly, it will also create a pipeline of board-ready female leaders, resulting in increased gender equity on boards in the future.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison added "the NSW Government is committed to improving gender equality and one of the ways it is doing this is the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project to increase the number of female leaders and coaches.

"Research shows that organisations with women in leadership positions leads to a decline in their gender pay gap.

"Therefore, it is vital that we provide women and girls pathways to leadership so we can continue to address gender quality and the pay gap in sport.

"It's not only good for women, it's good for sport."

Sport NSW Chair Chris Hall shared "the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project aims to increase knowledge and capability among female coaches, match officials and leaders at NSW sporting organisations.

"This funding will allow us to develop more female leaders across the sport sector.

"Sport NSW looks forward to partnering with sporting organisations so even more women have the opportunity to become coaches, senior administrators and board directors.

Paralympic Gold Medallist and NSW Institute of Sport Coach and program presenter Louise Sauvage OAM highlighted "It is vital that we provide programs that support the pathway development of female coaches, match officials and leaders.

"Importantly, this project also aims to improve inclusiveness in sport by providing guidance and education to leaders on inclusive participation opportunities."

Image. NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper noted “It was a pleasure to have Kylie Hilder, the NSW Women's State of Origin Head Coach, Louise Sauvage OAM, a Paralympic Gold Medallist, and Maria Nordstrom, the Chief Executive of Basketball NSW, join us to announce $250,000 in funds to Sport NSW for the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project.” Credit: NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper/Facebook