Through its Unlocked leadership programme, the Women’s Sport Trust helps elite female athletes develop leadership skills, expand professional networks and influence change within and beyond sport.

A key feature of the programme is its Activator model, which connects athletes with senior leaders working in areas they are passionate about influencing. Through these relationships, athletes can extend their networks, develop leadership experience and explore ways to use their voice and expertise beyond competition.

International hockey player Tess Howard MBE joined the first Unlocked cohort with a desire to improve inclusivity in sport and school uniform policy. Tess’s Activator supported her in developing her work in this area. This led to Tess starting her social enterprise, Inclusive Sportswear, and contributing to legislative changes in girls’ PE kit regulations.

The example demonstrates how leadership development and access to wider networks can help athletes build purpose and future pathways, while enabling athlete experience to inform policy and decision-making.