New wave of athlete leaders unite to drive change in women’s sport

The Unlocked programme builds on research* by Women’s Sport Trust, commissioned by UK Sport with support from Think Beyond, which shows the scale of opportunity and the need for greater support around athlete voice and influence.

• 72% of elite female athletes reported that they want to make an impact within society, but only 39% said they know how to do it.
• 60% believe they don’t have enough profile to make the impact they want.
• 74% feel the expectations on female athletes to make a difference are greater than for their male counterparts.
• When asked what motivates them, 62% said their main driver is using their experience to help others, followed by raising awareness of important issues.
• The top areas where athletes want to make a difference are:
  • 57% – Growth of women and girls’ sport
  • 52% – Participation
  • 45% – Mental health and wellbeing
  • 30% – Body image
  • 25% – Diversity, equity and inclusion

Unlocked exists to bridge that gap, giving athletes the influence, community and connections to turn intention into action.

“Unlocked isn’t about training athletes, it’s about supercharging them,” said Tammy Parlour, CEO of the Women’s Sport Trust. “We want to help them realise the power they already have. Their voices are transforming sport from the inside out, and when these women come together, they shift the conversation about what’s possible in women’s sport as a whole.”

The programme receives funding from the Jacobs Futura Foundation, which is supporting both this year’s cohort and the thriving network of 111 Unlocked alumni. Since its launch, Unlocked has helped athletes secure sponsorships, embrace media opportunities, champion diversity and take on leadership roles across sport. Three years after completing the programme, more than 40% of the alumni hold formal leadership positions on boards, EDI committees or advisory groups.

This year’s Unlocked cohort features:

• Abbie Breakwell – Wheelchair Tennis
• Ama Agbeze – Netball
• Ana Mesarovic – Cricket
• Anna Nicholson – Para-Athletics
• Ashleigh Nelson – Athletics/Bobsleigh
• Becky Downie – Artistic Gymnastics
• Becky Spencer – Football
• Bronte Law – Golf
• Cleo Pitcher Farrell – Kayak Cross
• Darcy Bourne – Hockey
• Deborah Kerr – Canoe Sprint
• Doaa Shayea – Para-Powerlifting
• Ella Amory – Rugby Union
• Ellie Boatman – Rugby Union
• Ellie Jones – Squash
• Emma Mukandi – Football
• Fiona Crackles – Hockey
• Flora Peel – Hockey
• Frankie Allen – Para-Rowing
• Funmi Fadoju – Netball
• Jude Hamer – Wheelchair Basketball
• Kara Hanlon – Swimming
• Karin Muya – Football
• Katie Gleeson – Olympic Shooting (Rifle)
• Katie Guest – Para Alpine Skiing
• Laura Delgado (Bimba) – Rugby
• Lily Agg – Football
• Lottie McGuinness – Para-Powerlifting
• Molly Thompson-Smith – Climbing
• Patricia Mbata – Boxing
• Pragnya Mohan – Triathlon
• Priyanaz Chatterji – Cricket
• Saffron Cresswell – Eventing
• Sara Merican – Cricket/Football
• Sian Honnor – Bowls
• Sophie Power – Ultra Running

British Para powerlifter Doaa Shayea said: “I was so excited to have been offered a place on Unlocked. As a Muslim para-athlete, I want to use my platform to challenge perceptions, break down barriers and help make sport a place where everyone feels they belong. I hope Unlocked will give me the opportunity to turn my experience into impact for women and girls in sport.”

Commonwealth Games 2014 gold medallist, double European champion (2014 and 2016) and World Silver medallist 2019 in Artistic Gymnastics, Becky Downie said: “Being part of Unlocked means joining a community of women who want to make sport better for everyone. I’m excited to learn from others and share my experiences and hopefully we can drive change together.”

Over the next 12 months, athletes will take part in online hangouts, spotlight sessions and activator partnerships, connecting with experts from across sport, media and business, and building relationships that last well beyond the programme.