Paving the way for the next generation of women leaders in sport

We're thrilled to announce 111 recipients have been named for the 2024-25 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program.

The Program supports more opportunities for women as leaders in the sport and active recreation sector by enhancing their skillset through access to a range of professional development opportunities, placing them in the best position to obtain and thrive in leadership roles.

Previous recipients have undertaken a variety of professional development ranging from effective business writing to risk management, learning to present with influence and enhancing communication, as well as culture and Indigenous perspectives in business.

Since 2018, more than 600 professional development opportunities for women have been supported through Change Our Game programs.

Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Sarah Styles noted the importance of having women in leadership positions within sport.

This year the program provided 6 streams including 2 new categories – Women with a Disability and Community Leaders. The streams cater for women in different stages of their careers across community and elite sport from those early in their career, to returning from parental leave, executives, new or aspiring board members and community leaders.

The 6 streams are:

• Learning

• Next Generation Leaders

• Women with a Disability

• Executive

• Governance

• Community Leaders

Recipients will get access to professional development opportunities ranging from governance training, executive coaches, to courses to build specialist skills and confidence to advance their careers in sport and recreation.

Head of Player Relations at Professional Footballers Australia, Erin Clout is just one of the 111 recipients selected, and will undertake the Foundations of Directorship course delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors as part of the Governance Stream of the Program.

The program will support to build her governance knowledge and capability and advance her aspirations to become a board director in the sport and recreation sector.

See the full list of recipients.