Leading a team discussion, proposing an idea to a coach, or accepting a new responsibility can be an important first step for a young female athlete. These moments create opportunities to practise leadership, even before taking on a formal role.
Through its focus on gender equality and dual careers, GENDERWISE supports young women in developing skills relevant to coaching, management, and leadership. Part of that development involves building the confidence to contribute, ask questions, and take initiative.
Leadership Begins with Everyday Actions
Leadership can take many forms within a sporting environment. Welcoming a new teammate, helping organize an activity, or raising a concern that affects the group can all involve responsibility and initiative.
These everyday experiences give young athletes opportunities to discover their strengths. They also show that leadership involves listening, cooperation, and thoughtful decisions alongside speaking up.
For a young woman considering her first leadership role, starting with a manageable responsibility can provide valuable practice. With support and feedback, those experiences can become a foundation for greater involvement.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Confidence does not have to come before action. It can develop as young athletes gain experience, reflect on what happened, and try again.
A participant who feels uncomfortable speaking in front of a group might begin by sharing an idea with a teammate, then contributing during a small discussion. Over time, she may feel ready to present a proposal or lead part of an activity.
Clear expectations can help make new responsibilities manageable. Knowing the purpose of a task, the support available, and the limits of one’s responsibility gives a young leader space to learn.
Constructive feedback matters too. Specific observations about what worked and what could improve are more useful than expecting someone to appear confident at every moment.
Creating Space for Young Women’s Voices
The opportunity to contribute depends partly on the environment. Young athletes need to know that their ideas will receive a fair hearing and that questions are welcome.
Coaches and club leaders can support this by inviting input, allowing time for discussion, and responding respectfully when someone offers a different perspective. They can also consider whose voices are regularly heard and who may need more opportunities to participate.
Rotating responsibilities can give more athletes experience in leading activities or representing the group. Transparent selection criteria help ensure that these opportunities are accessible and understandable.
Building confidence should therefore go alongside creating fair opportunities to use it.
Learning to Speak Up
Expressing an opinion can feel difficult, particularly when speaking to someone with more experience or authority. Preparing a clear message can help.
Young athletes can practice explaining what they have noticed, why it matters, and what they would like to suggest. Whether discussing a training arrangement or proposing a team activity, this approach helps turn an idea into a constructive conversation.
Speaking up also includes asking for clarification, acknowledging uncertainty, and requesting support. A young leader does not need to have every answer to make a useful contribution.
Listening remains equally important. Understanding other people’s perspectives helps leaders make decisions that reflect the needs of the group.
Support Without Pressure to Be Perfect
Early leadership experiences should leave room for mistakes and learning. Taking responsibility for the first time may involve uncertainty, and progress will look different for each person.
Mentors, coaches, and teammates can help by discussing challenges openly and sharing their own learning experiences. Seeing how others handle difficult conversations or adjust a decision can make leadership feel more approachable.
Recognition should focus on meaningful actions: preparing carefully, following through on a commitment, listening to feedback, or helping others participate. These behaviours provide a stronger foundation than expecting a particular personality or style.
How GENDERWISE Contributes
GENDERWISE supports young female athletes aged 14 to 26 through educational resources, digital learning opportunities, and mentoring. By developing skills in communication, teamwork, management, and coaching, the project helps participants prepare for greater responsibility within sport and beyond.
For BRAVO, supporting future women leaders means combining skills development with opportunities to participate. Young women should have space to explore their abilities, contribute to decisions, and build experience with guidance along the way.
The first step may be a small one, but it deserves encouragement and an opportunity to grow.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
GENDERWISE is a 30-month initiative funded under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, bringing together seven partners from six European countries. The project promotes gender equality in sport and supports dual careers for young female athletes through educational resources, online learning, and mentoring.
Stay tuned as BRAVO continues sharing GENDERWISE activities and perspectives on supporting young women’s participation and leadership in sport.
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