Women’s Sport Trust (WST) is calling on elite female athletes to apply for Unlocked, our flagship athlete leadership and development programme. Unlocked empowers athletes to use their own platforms, voices, and unique perspectives to create change, while coming together as a collective to shape the future of women’s sport.
Since its launch in 2020, Unlocked has already built a powerful community of over 100 athletes across 25+ sports. Together, they’ve challenged stereotypes, opened new opportunities for women’s sport, and demonstrated the impact athletes can have when they lead with their voices. Alumni have gone on to drive diversity, shape media narratives, secure game-changing sponsorships, and take up leadership roles that shift the balance of sport.
The next phase of Unlocked is made possible through the support of the Jacobs Futura Foundation, whose funding has enabled the programme’s expansion and the appointment of a dedicated Athlete Programmes and Relationship Manager, Eilidh Gibson, to strengthen ties with alumni and the wider athlete community.
Tammy Parlour, CEO of Women’s Sport Trust, said:
“Unlocked isn’t just about skills. It’s about unleashing potential. This programme shows what happens when athletes stand together and lead the way. We’re thrilled to open applications for the next cohort and can’t wait to see who joins the movement.”
The next Unlocked cohort will bring together 35 athletes from across the sporting spectrum, at different stages of their careers and from diverse backgrounds. Unlocked is open to female athletes aged 18 and over, previously or currently competing at an elite level, with a connection to the UK, whether UK athletes based overseas or international athletes competing domestically.
These athletes will join a community that extends far beyond their own sport – tapping into WST’s influential network of sport industry leaders and each other’s experiences to gain guidance, inspiration, and relationships that fuel lasting change.
Regular touch points with the cohort and the WST team provide ongoing support throughout the year-long programme, while tailored media, content, and speaking opportunities allow athletes to amplify their voices and share their ideas with a wider audience.
Hannah Miley MBE, Unlocked alumna and former GB Swimmer, reflected on the impact the programme had on her career and life beyond the pool:
“Being part of Unlocked was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It connected me with incredible athletes who shared a passion for advancing women’s sport, and it gave me the space to explore my own passion for female health. Through the programme, I launched my own brand, worked with a brilliant mentor who opened doors for me, and received vital support during my retirement from swimming. I didn’t know who I was beyond swimming, Unlocked gave me a safe space to connect with others and learn a lot more about myself. It’s a fantastic programme.”
Athletes interested in Unlocked can download the recruitment pack and apply here. For questions, please contact Eilidh Gibson, Athlete Programmes and Relationship Manager, at eilidhgibson@womenssporttrust.com. Applications close at 5pm (BST) Wednesday, 8th October 2025