Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) – University of Chichester (UK) – 2026
1. We are pleased to inform that the IOC Olympic Solidarity is continuing its collaboration with the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA), led by the University of Chichester (UK) and developed in partnership with Leading Edge. The immersive, week-long residential training programme will take place from Sunday, 23 to Friday 28 Aug 2026 at the Bishop Otter Campus, University of Chichester (UK). The programme comprises workshops, personal development plans, reflection groups, and peer-support sessions, all designed to cultivate the next generation of female leaders in sport. For more details, please visit the WSLA website.
2. The Olympic Solidarity is offering a limited number of scholarships covering tuition fees (which include Accommodation during the programme, Meals, Training materials, Internet access), and in some cases, additional grants for travel expenses. Priority will be given to NOCs with the greatest needs.
3. To be eligible for WSLA 2026, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:
• Currently in middle management, or recently appointed senior managers or Board members, of sport or sport-for-change organisations
• Responsible for key areas such as managing staff (or likely to be doing so soon) or heading up a specific department, area or project for their organisation
• Passionate and driven to pursue their own professional development
• Committed to influencing change in an organisation or sector of work
• Identified as future leaders by their organisation
• Committed to making a difference to as well as enhancing opportunities for women and girls in and through sport
• Competent in written and spoken English (min IELTS 6.5). Please note that no translation service will be provided.
4. In this regard, National Sports Federations are invited to nominate one eligible candidate who fulfils the above-mentioned prerequisites by 15 February 2026, along with the following documents:
• Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Form (attached)
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, highlighting educational background, professional experience in sport or sport-for-development organisations, current or recent leadership/managerial roles, responsibilities related to managing staff, departments or projects, and involvement in initiatives promoting gender equality and the development of women and girls in sport.
• A letter of commitment from your employer
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport-size digital photograph
• Departmental No Objection Certificate (if the candidate is employed by any service/department)
5. Incomplete applications and/or nominations received after the deadline will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, and one candidate will be recommended to the President, Pakistan Olympic Association, for final approval.