With this year’s BUCS & FA Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) graduation bringing together FA National Youth Council representatives from three different cohorts, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on how the programme has shaped each of us. From personal growth and professional development to the wider impact and legacy of WLP, it’s clear that the experiences and lessons gained continue long after the programme ends.

Alice - 2022/23

Looking back on my time on the Women’s Leadership Programme in 2022/23, it really helped shape who I am today. Before joining, I was 19 years old in my second year of university still finding my way in the football industry and working on building my confidence. The programme gave me the space to reflect, learn more about myself, and realise that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room - it’s about being authentic, empathetic, and bringing others with you.

Being surrounded by such inspiring individuals was a huge part of the experience. Everyone had different journeys, but we were all passionate about having a career in football. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to go for opportunities I might not have before, like joining the FA National Youth Council, in which I am in my second season. That environment encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and back myself more - something I still carry with me now.

Three years on from the programme, I still reflect on my time on the programme and I’m grateful of the impact it has had on my personal and professional development. I owe a lot to the programme and have attended many graduations and networking sessions since I finished the programme!

Noush – 2023/24

WLP was an amazing opportunity for me, and one where I met so many incredible people and connections. Since then, I have taken on numerous opportunities to support in my personal development, kickstarted from my WLP experience. Following my WLP journey in 23/24, I joined The FANYC for the 24/25 season as EDI lead, any opportunity that WLP helped provide the confidence for me to apply for. I learnt a lot on WLP about pushing myself out of my comfort zone and ensuring to always stretch myself and not "cruise" through. I take this energy and mantra into everything I do and I have also moved into my second season on the team, where I am now vice-chair.

I also moved jobs and stepped into management for the first time at the age of 23, which was a huge step for me. WLP provided me with so many skills which both provided me with the confidence to apply and interview for this role, as well as the skills to thrive in this role. The professional development and opportunities WLP has provided me since 2023/24 are endless and I am tremendously grateful to the programme, and in particular to my accelerator Amy who supported me throughout the programme but even still to this day where we still keep in touch!

Chloe – 2024/25

Programmes like WLP are invaluable within the football youth space. A quote from Residential one that has stuck with me, and will most likely stick with me forever, is ‘there will be no female leaders in the future, just leaders’. This truly summarises what the programme is about. Enabling young women to feel empowered and take control of their lives using football. Returning to Walton Hall reminds us all of the lasting impact WLP continues to have; the network you gain from WLP is a network that is by your side, supporting you wherever it can to help you succeed.

Personally, WLP began my journey in football youth leadership, and has changed the trajectory of my career, through developed confidence and vision. It taught me that my love for football and passion for inclusion align. Since taking part in the programme, I became a part of the FALA25 cohort, have taken on a role at Cornwall FA Youth Leadership Academy, and of course my role on the FANYC. The skillset WLP helped me develop, is what inspires me to continue to make change and have a career in football. 

The magic WLP creates is one of togetherness, empowerment, and believing you can be a leader in any environment.

Ella – 2024/25 & Graduation Reflections

Walking into Walton Hall as a graduate of WLP, one year on from first entering as a participant, I felt excited to catch up with my cohort, and to be surrounded by graduates from previous years, current participants, accelerators and industry leaders like Maggie Murphy. It was inspiring to speak to everyone about their individual experiences of WLP, and to celebrate multiple cohorts coming together. It was clear from looking around the room that WLP’s impact ripples on long after you take part in, and graduate from, the programme. I have seen in myself a huge growth in my skills, including my leadership, resilience, collaboration and confidence. 

Reflecting on the graduation, I realised that WLP has truly taught me how to grow: a year ago, I was nervous and felt out of my comfort zone when trying to network at this event. This year, I not only felt comfortable, but confident, at graduation: because WLP had encouraged me to push myself, my comfort zone had expanded and I had developed to become not only professionally, but personally, a better version of myself. 

The photo was kindly provided by Zoe: 

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