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Elite female athletes wanted for unique charity programme 

London, UK, 25th January 2022 — Applications for Unlocked 3 are now open. For the chance to follow in the footsteps of alumni such as Nikita Parris, Hannah Cockroft, Marilyn Okoro and Lizzie Simmons, and come together with other athletes to accelerate change across the sports industry, please click download the recruitment pack below.

The Unlocked programme was established by women’s sport charity, the Women’s Sport Trust in 2020.  Since then, more than 75 athletes have taken part in the programme.  Representing a range of sports and with athletes at different points in their elite careers, the group provides a unique, diverse and powerful insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in women’s sport, based on those who sit at the heart of it.

Last year’s Unlocked programme proved to be a gamechanger in empowering athletes. The end of programme survey showed a significant increase in the athletes’ aspirations, skills and confidence as well as enabling them to supercharge their networks and connections.  

Some highlights from Unlocked 2021 include:

  • Amber Keegan and a group of seven other athletes from Unlocked launched a non-profit organisation, ‘Athlete Interactions’ to increase the action around mental health in elite sport
  • Shaunagh Brown put herself forward for and was appointed a board member of Student Rugby Football Union
  • Montell Douglas was selected as the voice of Bobsleigh athletes this season and will help promote the athlete view as they prepare for Beijing 2022
  • Sarah Evans became part of the England and GB Hockey Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory group

Tammy Parlour MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of The Women’s Sport Trust, says, “As we launch the third iteration of Unlocked, we’re excited to see who will apply and what the group will achieve. We’re looking for female athletes who are passionate about changing the face of sport. We’ve had some amazing athletes already and we can’t wait for Unlocked 2022 to begin.” As part of the Unlocked group the athletes will access experts from across the sport, business and media worlds.  The Women’s Sport Trust hold workshops and opportunities to hear from industry insiders, as well as provide athletes with their own ‘activator’.  The activators are leaders in their field who will share their connections and experience to help the sportswomen tackle the issues and areas they feel passionate about.

If this sounds interesting – please download the recruitment pack and contact Claire Bennett (clairebennett@womenssporttrust.com) with any questions

All applications must be received by Friday, 25th February 2022