The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) in partnership with the European Social Fund (ESF)[4] has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to launch Women into Coaching - London.  This new and innovative scheme seeks to provide over 75 women with the skills and training required to advance into sports coaching and leadership. WSF is looking to recruit women from all backgrounds, sporting abilities and experience who live or work within a London Borough. 

Women who enrol onto this programme will be given the opportunity to receive support on one of two levels:

Level 1 – Women who have little or no formal training or sports leadership experience will have access to the WSF/Sports Leaders UK course - Women Get Set Go, and the Level I Award in Community Sports Leadership, Rugby, Football, Gymnastics or Swimming. They will also have access to a range of sports coach UK courses. 

Level 2 – Women currently qualified to NGB Level 1 and working within Gymnastics, Swimming, Rugby or Football will have access to NGB Coaching Qualifications up to Level 2 and a variety of sports coach UK Courses.

All women will be assigned a personal mentor to support their development and will need to attend a series of seminars addressing critical issues surrounding women in coaching. Following successful completion of the programme the WSF will endeavour to assist beneficiaries in finding potential educational and employment opportunities.

Women into Coaching - London is funded by the ESF and the cost of all courses, travel and childcare will be fully subsidised. The WSF is therefore seeking women who will be able to commit the time and effort needed to complete this programme.

Closing date for the first round of applications is 23.05.05 and we advise that applications are submitted as soon as possible as spaces are limited. All candidates will undergo a selection process to ensure eligibility and following the closing date WSF will welcome additional applications, as spaces may still be available.

Rugby Union has been offered places for approximately 20 women in this programme.  For those women interested in applying for the scheme to coach in Rugby Union, please complete the form attached and e-mail to Sam Marshall, Women’s Rugby Development Manager (London & South East) at sammarshall@rfu.com or post to the RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Rd, Twickenham TW1 1DS. Alternatively you can call the RFUW Office on 020 8831 7996 or Sam Marshall on 07843 069938 for additional information.  The form will also be downloadable from the main RFUW Site www.rfu.com/rfuw or the London and South East Website www.rfuwlonse.co.uk .  Alternatively you could contact Leanne Dingle, Women’s Sports Foundation Project Manager at l.dingle@wsf.org.uk or call 020 7273 1738 or 07813 842 882 for further information on working with other sports on the project.

For more information on the WSF and how you can get involved in women’s sport visit www.wsf.org.uk

Form will be available to download shortly.