Sharjah Capability Development, in collaboration with Sharjah Women’s Sports, is commencing the second phase of Sharjah Sports Leadership Program in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This transformative 8-day journey starting from the 22nd of August – 29th of August 2023 with a total of 56 training hours, marks a significant step towards fostering leadership, innovation, and diversity in the world of sports. The program brings together a select group of 20 young female talents from Sharjah Women’s Sports, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for women in sports leadership.
The program boasts a dynamic cohort of participants from Sharjah Women’s Sport, including executives, section heads, specialists, and acting directors. These participants bring diverse expertise in various domains, such as Strategic Planning, Marketing & Events, Accounting, Sport Leadership, Sport Talent Nurturing, Team Sports, Individual Sports, Media and PR, Sport Facilities, Nutrition and Healthcare, Psychology, Physiotherapy, and Physiology. The participants also span a wide age group, ranging from young professionals with one or less years of experience to seasoned specialized professionals with over a decade of experience. This rich blend of backgrounds enhances the program’s potential to foster innovation and learning.
The Sports Leadership Program is thoughtfully curated to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of sports leadership. The program encompasses an exploration of the role of sports in shaping identity, wherein participants delve into the ways sports contribute to the formation of local and national identity, gaining insights into strategies for fostering this development. Additionally, the program focuses on building social-emotional skills and well-being strategies, aiding participants in developing their personal leadership capabilities. It also includes a deep dive into the models of semi-professional and amateur clubs, coupled with an exploration of the financial mechanisms that underpin their success. Moreover, the program covers understanding the complexities of high-performance sports and the application of talent detection models to harness and develop exceptional athletic potential, as well as learning marketing strategies in sports sponsoring and athlete branding to enhance the visibility and impact of their organizations.
Participants will have unique opportunities to engage with renowned experts and specialists during their program journey where they will also learn from a series of expert guest lecturers from diverse fields and sports professionals. These opportunities include site visits to KNVB – The governing body of football in the Netherlands, FC Utrecht – a professional football club, Hockey club Amsterdam, the Olympic Stadium, and Johan Cruyff Arena. These visits aim to let participants discover the best practices in the sports field and sports management.
Khalid Al Nakhi, Director of Sharjah Capability Development, expressed his enthusiasm about the program, stating, “Empowering women with leadership skills in the sports field is essential for fostering diversity, innovation, and balanced decision-making in the industry. Through this initiative, we aspire to inspire future generations and tap into untapped talent, ultimately enriching the sports landscape. Embracing women leaders in this field will undoubtedly create a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-thinking sports community.”
Hanan Al Mahmoud, a distinguished member of the Executive Board of Sharjah Women’s Sports and a Member of the Board of Trustees of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, emphasized the profound impact of the program, saying, “This program isn’t just about sports; it’s about empowering leaders. It’s about equipping these young women with the tools they need to rise above challenges, to inspire others, and to make meaningful contributions in their communities. The Sports Leadership Program is more than a curriculum; it’s a roadmap to excellence in the women’s sports sector.”
The Sharjah Sports Leadership Program stands as a beacon of empowerment, guiding young talents towards becoming effective, visionary, and transformative leaders. This initiative reflects the commitment of Sharjah Capability Development and Sharjah Women’s Sports to drive positive change and elevate the status of women in the dynamic world of sports leadership.