Young women interested in working in the sports industry shoud apply to join this free CV-booting proramme NOW! Applications close on January 31.
This is a global call for entries to a programme that was created to address research which revealed that 92% of women faced barriers entering the sports industry, and that 8 in 10 women would like access to a mentoring programme with women working in sport.
The URC Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), sponsored by CVC brings together aspiring female applicants with leading women in the business of sport for a series of workshops and the creation of a network of like-minded women.
The URC is delighted to announce the following line-up of global female leaders who are confirmed for the 2025 WLA programme. Additional speakers will be announced over the coming days. The speakers all volunteer their time which itself speaks to the value they see in the programme and the real change it is making.
Ann Austin - Vice President Community Development and Charitable Programs, Women's Tennis Association (WTA)
Christina Mahon - Sports Presenter and Host / United Rugby Championship
Elma Smit - Account Director, Whisper
Kara Kelly - Senior Rugby Producer, Iris Productions on behalf of RTÉ & TG4
Karen Poole – Client Services Director, Openfield Marketing
Lauren Robinson - Regional Event Director for EMEA, SAIL GP (United Kingdom)
Michaella Snoeck - Head of Media Rights, Formula 1 (United Kingdom)
Women around the world between the ages of 18-26 can now apply for entrance to the academy. A final selection process will identify 50 successful candidates who will undergo a series of CV-boosting workshops.
The opportunity to learn from and connect with our incredible list of speakers, is a potentially life-changing experience.
Prospective candidates are asked to submit a short video biography of themselves explaining why they want to be a part of the programme by clicking here
All participants can graduate and the top “MVP” (Most Valuable Player) graduate will earn work experience at the BKT URC Grand Final 2025 and an internship programme to further her career within the sports industry.
“This programme has really sparked a different level of confidence in me, and it’s encouraged me to think and dream bigger,” says Genesis Cele, who was crowned the MVP of the 2024 WLA, earning herself an internship with the URC.
“Learning from women who have actually made it in the industry inspired me so much. This programme is exceptionally well run and has given me a clear understanding of what I want from my career in sport.”
Apply before 31 January 2025 by clicking here
Follow our journey using #URCxWLA
To find out more about the WLA watch this video: Kick start your career in sport | URC Women’s Leadership Academy 2025 - YouTube
For queries email: wla@unitedrugby.com
