it’s Her Turn to lead in sport

Her Turn is a European leadership programme empowering women to step into decision-making roles in sports. Through learning, mentorship, and community, we support the next generation of female leaders to grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

What the Programme Is About?

We support aspiring female leaders in sport administration at key moments in their professional journey

Expert-led sessions

Expert-led sessions provide practical insights into leadership, strategy, communication, and sports governance, led by experienced professionals from the field. They combine knowledge, real-world examples, and discussion to support confident leadership growth.

Mentorship

Through mentoring, participants are paired with experienced leaders in sports who offer guidance, perspective, and support. These relationships help translate learning into action and strengthen long-term professional development.

Personal development plan

Each participant will have a personal development plan to define goals, reflect on strengths, and identify next steps in their leadership journey. This process supports focused growth and long-term impact beyond the programme.

Peer exchange

Peer exchange creates space for shared learning, reflection, and connection among participants. By exchanging experiences and perspectives, participants build a supportive network that extends across borders and beyond the programme.

in-person Classes

Lead with confidence.
Grow through connection.

Her Turn’s in-person sessions bring participants together to learn, reflect, and grow. Through expert-led workshops, shared experiences, and practical exercises, the programme creates space for leadership development, connection, and real momentum.

Me as a leader

Explore what leadership means to you and how your values, experiences, and skills shape the way you lead. This session focuses on building self-awareness, confidence, and a strong foundation for authentic leadership in sports.

Me as a brand

This session helps participants articulate who they are as leaders and how they want to be seen in the sports sector. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, participants explore personal strengths, values, and narratives.

Me as a role model

This session focuses on visibility and impact. Participants reflect on their role as leaders and role models, strengthen their professional voice, and explore how to build presence and influence within the sports sector.

Her stories

Real stories. Real impact.

Her Stories shines a light on women who are leading in sports today. Through personal video stories, mentors and role models share how they built their careers, navigated challenges, and claimed their place in leadership.

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to take your place in sports leadership?

Her Turn supports women who are ready to grow, lead, and step into decision-making roles in sport. Join our programme built on learning, mentorship, and community.

Applications for the first round of the Her Turn programme have closed. A second round of the programme will take place this autumn, and applications will open again soon. Follow our channels and check back here for updates on when the next application round begins.

FAQs

Who can apply to Her Turn?

Her Turn is open to aspiring female leaders aged 18–40 who are active in sports administration and live in an EU country. Applicants should be involved in sports organisations such as federations, clubs, associations, NGOs, or other sports-related organisations, at local, national, or international level. 

How much experience do I need to apply?

There is no fixed minimum number of years of experience. The programme is designed for women who already work in sports administration and feel ready to grow into leadership or decision-making roles. Motivation, commitment, and leadership potential are key. 

Where and when do the in-person sessions take place?

For the first class (2026), the programme includes two international in-person seminars: 

23–24 April 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia 

17–18 September 2026 in Helsinki, Finland 

Participants in the first class are expected to attend both seminars in person.

Is there a participation fee?

There is no participation fee. Accommodation and meals during the in-person seminars is covered, and travel costs are reimbursed after participation in line with Erasmus+ rules (up to 250 EUR per participant per seminar). Meals and personal expenses during travel are not covered.

What language is the programme held in?

The entire programme, including seminars, mentoring, and communication, is conducted in English. Participants should feel comfortable working and communicating in English. 

How do I apply?

To apply for the first class, you need to: 

  1. Fill in the online application form 
  1. Answer the motivational questions about your background, goals, and interest in the programme 

The application deadline was March 6, 2026. Selected participants will be contacted after the deadline. 

Who is behind this programme?

Her Turn is funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme and is jointly implemented by: the President Kaljulaid Foundation (Estonia), Out of the Box International (Belgium) and Miltton (Finland). The partners share a strong belief that women should have a greater voice in sports administration and leadership.