Women in Sport Leadership Course
Testimonial




The Women in Sport Leadership Course, organised by Swim Ireland, is designed to support the development of female leaders within National Governing Bodies delivered by sports consultants Lisa Clancy and Sarah O’Shea. Hear what Berne Commins, a representative of Cycling Ireland thought about the course.


Bernie Commins

"I am a proud mountain biker! I love my sport - it is a huge part of me and my life - and I feel so lucky to be part of the mountain biking community! I would encourage anyone to give it a shot, and hit me up for more info!


I am member of Gravity Biking Club and have been involved in mountain biking for six year and each one gets better and better. I am also a voluntary member of the Women's Commission of Cycling Ireland as off-road representative, and I recently joined the Off-Road Commission of Cycling Ireland as the women's representative. I am very grateful to all these amazing people for helping me, supporting me and sharing information to help me do better in my role."


What did you learn on this programme?

"I learned that I need to believe in myself more. I have the basic ingredients to be a good leader, I just need to practice putting them all together a bit more but the end product can be something really good and positive.  


I have learned that it is important to push yourself outside your comfort zone, because after a while that becomes more comfortable and things that once seemed insurmountable become achievable."


Has the leadership programme been useful in your daily life?

"Yes, I think so. It has helped me to be a bit more assertive and forthright, to feel that it is OK to speak up if something is bothering me, or if something is not as it should be. I have, at times, been inclined to accept a situation and moan later, but now I feel more empowered to make a change if I can. I have taken on some work projects - they are not huge in the grand scheme of things - but I definitely felt more confident in my ability to do them, and do them well."


What impact has the leadership programme had so far?

"I recently completed my Trail Cycle Leader (TCL) course and I hope to progress to do the assessment this year.


I am aiming to do my Mountain Bike Leader (MBL) course and assessment too. I think I can be a good leader in a guiding and coaching sense, and I would love to be able to help others to discover this amazing sport, as I have."


What are your future goals?

"To be a better rider, role model, and ambassador for mountain biking - and for females who mountain bike. 


I want to be a better off-road representative on the Women's Commission. The Covid-19 pandemic scuppered plans during my first year, so I feel like I am starting afresh. Interest in mountain biking has really grown over the last year or two, so I really want to do right by the female bikers who are part of the circle now. I also want to complete the TCL and MBL assessments."


Would you recommend the programme?

"Of course - never turn down the opportunity to try something new especially when it is going to equip you with knowledge and leadership skills that can aid you in your sport, and in your life. Lisa and Sarah who design and deliver this eight-week course are amazing - so interesting, articulate, engaging, encouraging, and true leaders themselves. And each week, a guest speaker joined us to share their leadership journeys and challenges along the way - these were really inspiring. But the other leadership participants were legends and it was so cool to be part of that group and to interact with them - even if it was via Zoom - each week. A more inclusive, intelligent and supportive bunch you couldn't meet."