Female Sports Forum

How can we help shape the future of coaching in NI? Knowledge exchange event is open to discuss impacts on coaching practice 👇

Help shape the future of sport coaching in Northern Ireland!

Following the success of our 2025 seminar 'Advancing Sport Coaching and Development', Ulster University, in partnership with Sport NI and NI Sports Forum, is hosting a 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 29𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 2026 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬

This event will build on the conversations started last year, bringing together those passionate about elevating coaching in sport and physical activity across Northern Ireland. Together, we'll look to co-create solutions around four key objectives:

✅ Elevating coaching within sport & physical activity policy
✅ Promoting the impact and value of coaches
✅ Advocating for equitable entry into the coaching workforce
✅ Championing positive conditions for sport coaches

We'll also hear a keynote from Ciaran Ward, Head of High-Performance Coaching at Sport Ireland, and finally explore how we might work together to support future developments.

📍 Belfast Campus, Ulster University
📅 Friday 29th May 2026
🤝 Sponsored by NI and Ulster University School of Sport and Exercise Science
👉 Register at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/faculties/life-and-health-sciences/events/elevating-coaching-knowledge-exchange-event


Ireland

A great example of how fun, inclusive sport helps young girls thrive 👏🏻

Great opportunity to try something new this spring with RYA Northern Ireland

Our much loved RBCA WOW Festival returns on Saturday 9th May Carrickfergus Sailing Club.

Booking here - https://www.cognitoforms.com/RYANI/RYANIWomenOnWaterFestival2026

You don’t need any sailing experience – just an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a desire to get out on the water with a brilliant group of like‑minded people.
Whether you’re brand new or just keen to give it a try, this event is for you!

For more info contact [email protected]

See you there!

Sport NI Female Sports Forum Northern Ireland Sports Forum Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Carrick Times RBCA Local Women Sport

Congratulations to Hannah Scott MBE on being awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

An Olympic rowing champion and an incredible role model, Hannah’s success highlights the power of dedication and the importance of recognising women in sport. A proud moment for her, her community, and future generations of female athletes.

Incredibly well deserved 👏

Good luck to the Ireland Women as they kick off their 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations this weekend!

IrishRugby

Our team for Saturday’s opener in London.

Women on Water Festival is set to take place on May 9th at Carrickfergus Sailing Club ⛵️

Check out the RYA Northern Ireland for more information!

Girls-only sport is not a ‘nice to have’.

It can be the difference between falling in love with sport or being side-lined, potentially for life.

But currently, 24% fewer girls than boys play team sport in England.

That’s 930,000 girls missing out on the joy and belonging sport can bring.

Our latest research, supported by Metro Bank, explores why girls-only options matter – and what needs to change to close the team sport gap.

Sport won’t be equal until every girl knows she belongs.

Be the first to read it when it launches later this month...

Sign up to our newsletter here: https://womeninsport.org/resource/change-the-game-for-girls

📊 Source: Sport England (2025)

Volunteer opportunities for the Ireland Summer Games 2026 are open!

Special Olympics Ireland

The countdown is on 🌟

Just 100 days to go until the Ireland Summer Games 2026 and the excitement is building.
From 18th to 21st June, Ireland’s largest inclusive sporting event will bring together more than 1,200 athletes to compete across 12 sports over four incredible days. The Games will also feature MATP, Young Athletes, and Healthy Athletes, all made possible by the amazing support of volunteers, families, supporters, and communities across the island of Ireland.

We cannot wait for the energy, the passion, and the unforgettable moments still to come.

Donate at www.irelandgames.ie
Volunteer at www.irelandgames.ie/volunteer
Be a Part of the Action 💚