The First WISH Facilitator Program: Elevating Women’s Learning in High-Performance Sport

This week marked the delivery of the first in-person WISH Facilitator Training Program—a transformational experience created to support and elevate those who lead sport-specific learning and people development initiatives for women in high-performance sport.

Hosted at the University of Hertfordshire, this inaugural workshop brought together 12 inspiring facilitators from across the global sport system: nine from World Rugby, and one each from World Judo, World Wrestling, and World Rowing. Eleven women and one man participated in this foundational program, designed specifically for facilitators supporting the WISH (Women in Sport High Performance) initiative and wider international federations.

Created by WISH Program Director Linda Low and Sarah McQuade of e.t.c coaching consultants with Pauline Harrison of Females Ahiveing Brilliance and co-facilitated by Linda and Sarah the program was deeply grounded in the WISH values of growth, empowerment, and inclusion. These values weren’t just referenced—they were brought to life in every aspect of the design and delivery.

The journey began with a welcome webinar, held ten days before the in-person gathering. This laid the foundation for a 2.5-day immersive workshop that introduced participants to the WISH facilitation process—Plan–Do–Review–You—and a set of essential facilitation behaviors designed to create high-quality, learner-centered environments and experiences.

Using a dynamic mix of learning strategies—including agility studios, peer-led micro-facilitation, reflection tools, and facilitated group reviews—participants were active contributors from start to finish.

The final session, a silent group GROW, provided a powerful space for each facilitator to reflect on their personal development and articulate intentions for their ongoing learning and career journey.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the opportunity to step back, think differently about their role, and explore not just what they do, but why and how they do it. They left with new insights, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to do things differently—and better.

Perhaps the most resonant insight of all was this:

“We’re not just designing and delivering learning—we’re shaping how people feel through the experience. Because when people feel included, connected, and empowered, the learning sticks.”

This is just the beginning of a movement to reframe facilitation in high-performance sport through a more human-centered lens—where learning is personal, purposeful, and deeply connected.

Thank you to WISH and to Carol Isherwoood at World Rugby for their vision and commitment to drive this initiative.

#WISH #WorldRugby #WorldJudo #WorldRowing #WorldWresting #womeninsport #grateful #humbled