Mentors will be the guiding force of the Australian Sports Commission’s 2009/10 Sports Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women program.

The 13 scholarship recipients of the Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women program — a scheme designed to assist women to develop and build their leadership skills — will be paired with skilled and experienced professionals, managers or advisors, who will play a key role in coaching, encouraging and helping these women to succeed and excel in sports leadership.

Director of the Australian Sports Commission’s Community Sport program, Judy Flanagan, says mentors play an important role in supporting and guiding women through the sports leadership process.

‘Mentors bring a wealth of skills, experience and expertise to the scholarship scheme in supporting, encouraging and advising women through the sports leadership process,’ Flanagan said.

‘We recognise the importance of good mentors; they play a dynamic role as coaches, teaches and advisors in championing the values and qualities of women in sports leadership.

‘The Australian Sports Commission is committed to improving the involvement and professional development of women across many levels of Australia sport, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles.’

Participants will also benefit from the introduction of the ‘Pathway Plan’, an individual personal development initiative to help identify development needs and set goals for ongoing professional training and work experience.

Women in the Sport Leadership Scholarships scheme will also gain practical, hands-on experience through work placements at the Australian Sports Commission, and in Australian Institute of Sport programs.

Sports Leadership Grants and Scholarships are available in coaching, officiating, governance, management, administration, communications, and media and marketing.