Coach Like a Girl Returns

Scottish Student Sport have opened applications for the hugely popular Coach Like a Girl programme, which is returning for a second year.

After a successful pilot in 2024, the initiative is back – bigger and better – to continue supporting and inspiring the next generation of female coaches across Scotland’s colleges and universities.

Why Female Coaches?

Across the tertiary education sector in Scotland, 45% of the student population engaging in club sport identify as female, compared to 44% as male. This is a phenomenal statistic and while work is far from completed in the participation space, what can be seen across the nation is that women are hugely underrepresented in the coaching space.

Research shows that having female coaches benefits all participants; they challenge stereotypes about gender and leadership by offering diverse perspectives, insight and advice to their athletes. Furthermore, female coaches become role models which makes other females think about coaching as a legitimate and viable career; being visible in their role can inspire other females to participate.

At SSS, we recognise the largely untapped potential of female students as coaches and will continue to deliver a tailored coaching programme to play our part in inspiring the next generation of female coaches.

What is Coach Like a Girl?

Coach Like a Girl (CLAG) is a dedicated development programme designed to empower female student coaches and aspiring coaches. The project provides a safe supportive environment for participants to build confidence, share experiences and gain the skills needed to thrive as coaches in sport. CLAG was the name chosen by the participants on our pilot programme. The name empowers female coaches recognising the leadership and need for role models in sport whilst reclaiming words often used to demean women and girls ability within sport.

Why get Involved?

• Funded opportunities to engage in practical skills development activity across a range of sports
• Build confidence in your coaching practice
• Learn from experienced coaches and sport experts
• Connect with like-minded students across Scotland

Previous participants on the programme had this to say:

“YES. I would definitely recommend it. I really enjoyed the in-person sessions. They make it so much easier to connect with other women coaches and to talk about similar issues. It made me feel less alone with some problems I struggled with initially, and taught me ways on how to overcome them.”

“Being able to get advice and share experience with other female coaches that had similar experiences and/or could offer a wide range of advice”

Who can Apply?

This programme is open to female students from colleges and universities across Scotland whether they are currently coaching, have aspirations to coach or are just interested in what coaching could look like for them.

How to Apply:

Applications are open now! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting journey. Applications will close at 12:00, 14^th November 2025. The timeline for activity will be shared with those successful once all applications have been considered.

Apply for Coach Like a Girl Here