We are delighted to announce the selection of 29 women to the SCA Women’s Coach/Leader Development Programme!

We have a real shortage of female coaches and leaders in Paddlesport. We would like more, diversity makes for a better environment for everyone! Approximately 30% of our members and 40% of club associates are female; yet the balance of female coaches and leaders is significantly less. It’s also pretty sporadic; in some disciplines we have NO female coaches/leaders presenting to assessment. In others it’s nearer the 20-30% mark and with plenty in-between. So in January this year we applied and were successful in receiving a National Lottery Community Fund Grant to help us deliver a Female Coach/Leader Development programme.

We had 91 applications and selected 29 women to join a programme that includes small teams/groups working together supporting each other on their journey, through a tailored programme including face-to-face training and online mentoring that will run until May 2023. We focused the groups on specific qualifications or geographical regions where there are some of the biggest gaps. 

We’d like to thank everyone who applied and wish everyone all the best in their journey towards their qualifications. 

Here's what some of them have to say:

'I am stoked to be on the programme, it'll give me a great opportunity to learn and grow alongside fellow female paddlers and in turn pass on the skills and enjoyment of coastal SUP to others, especially those with additional needs when I am qualified.' - Benita Hensman-Martin

'In terms of the programme I hope to develop my skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, working with others to achieve our aims and hopefully in the future,  introducing more people to the benefits of paddlesports/sea kayaking.' - Fiona MacColl

'Having the support of other female sea kayakers on the same ASKL journey along with a female mentor will help make my goal attainable.  I look forward to exploring a female specific approach to problem solving looking particularly at tactical rather than physical solutions.' - Rhona MacKenzie

'I am looking forward to paddling alongside like-minded women in a supportive and positive environment, to be there for each other on our leadership journey whilst not forgetting to have fun on the way!' - Ruth Mantle