Advisory Panels
A collective of trusted experts sitting behind the FCN Academy, united by a shared commitment to increasing the representation of female coaches and ensuring they thrive within the sporting system.
Global Coaching  Systems Exchange
in partnership with Loughborough University
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A network of researchers, system leaders, coach developers and practitioners learning from diverse contexts to strengthen coaching systems for women.
There is no single pathway into coaching, and there is no single solution to the challenges facing women coaches.
LASTING CHANGE DOES NOT COME FROM ISOLATED INTERVENTIONS.
IT COMES FROM CONNECTED PERSPECTIVES ACROSS THE WHOLE SYSTEM.
— The Aim of the Exchange
Connects decision-makers, researchers and coach developers from around the world.
Provides a platform for sharing good practice, insights and solutions across diverse coaching contexts.
Identifies emerging challenges, research gaps and opportunities for systems change to advance women in coaching globally.
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Taking a global, systems-based approach to advancing women in performance coaching, the Global Coaching Systems Exchange will meet online twice a year and be co-hosted by FCN Founder Vicky Huyton and Professor Leanne Norman, Director of the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University.
Each gathering will bring together researchers, coach developers, governing bodies, performance leaders and policy makers from around the world to explore the realities of recruiting, developing, retaining and progressing women coaches across different sporting and cultural contexts. Participants will exchange insights, discuss emerging challenges, showcase effective practice and identify opportunities to strengthen coaching systems globally.
The Exchange will be supported by a monthly newsletter, curating insights, case studies and emerging practice from coach developers, researchers and coaching practitioners around the world, ensuring members continue to learn from global perspectives between each gathering.
Designed as an interactive forum rather than a traditional webinar, each Exchange will encourage open discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration, creating a global community committed to learning from diverse experiences and accelerating meaningful systems change.
Membership is open to:
Researchers & Academics
Performance & Sporting Directors
Team Owners
Coach Development Officers & Educators
ED&I / Women in Sport Leads
High Performance Managers
Federation & Governing Body representatives
Coaching Directors / Head of Coaching
Coaching Workforce Lead
Team Managers
Women in Sport Advocates
Organisations focused on women's sport
In person & online
Next Event
Following the launch of the Global Coaching Systems Exchange at the IWG Women & Girls in Sport Global Summit in July 2026, the first forum webinar will be hosted by Professor Leanne Norman and Vicky Huyton, date to be confirmed.
If you would like to join, please become a member of the forum using the buttons below.
More details to follow.
Research, policies & best practiceÂ
Resources
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Members
Professor Leanne Norman
Leanne is a Professor of Women in Sport and Academic Lead for the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University. Her work focuses on advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport—particularly within coaching and organisational cultures. She leads a sector-leading research programme, has led national and international projects, and works as an academic expert with sport bodies, governing organisations, and charities. Through this, she drives impactful knowledge exchange and public engagement, including programmes that support women coaches and help organisations build more inclusive leadership and coaching workforces.
Leanne is a Professor of Women in Sport and Academic Lead for the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University. Her work focuses on advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport—particularly within coaching and organisational cultures. She leads a sector-leading research programme, has led national and international projects, and works as an academic expert with sport bodies, governing organisations, and charities. Through this, she drives impactful knowledge exchange and public engagement, including programmes that support women coaches and help organisations build more inclusive leadership and coaching workforces.
Dr Nicole M. La Voi
Nicole M. LaVoi is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Minnesota, Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, and Founder of Coaching HER®. A leading public scholar, she translates research into action, addressing the critical challenges facing girls and women in sport. Through collaborative, data-driven work, she is shaping more inclusive, equitable systems – bringing valuable insight on how evidence can drive lasting change in and through sport.
Nicole M. LaVoi is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Minnesota, Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, and Founder of Coaching HER®. A leading public scholar, she translates research into action, addressing the critical challenges facing girls and women in sport. Through collaborative, data-driven work, she is shaping more inclusive, equitable systems – bringing valuable insight on how evidence can drive lasting change in and through sport.
Vicky Huyton
FCN Founder & Performance Coach Consultant and Mentor
FCN Founder & Performance Coach Consultant and Mentor
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Connected perspectives.
Lasting change.
A stronger future for female coaching.
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The FCN | Global Coaching Systems Exchange brings together researchers, coach developers, policy makers, governing bodies and sport leaders from around the world who are committed to advancing women in coaching. By connecting people working across different countries, cultures, sports and performance systems, the network creates a space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning and international collaboration.
There is no single pathway into coaching, and there is no single solution to the challenges facing women coaches. The realities experienced by women in coaching differ significantly across contexts. What works in one sport, organisation or country may not work in another. The network exists to better understand these diverse realities, share evidence and good practice, and explore how coaching systems can be strengthened to support more women to enter, remain and progress in coaching.
Through ongoing conversations, knowledge exchange and collaborative learning, the network aims to identify emerging challenges, highlight innovative approaches and accelerate systems change. By bringing together those who influence coaching policy, workforce development and coach education, the FCN | Global Coaching Systems Exchange seeks to create a stronger, more connected future for women in coaching worldwide.
Join the FCN Academy
The FCN Academy is the world's only e-learning coach education platform built specifically by female coaches.
Designed for coaches who want to grow, and for federations who want to retain and develop their female coaching talent. Two membership types. One mission.
Connect, Share and Develop with Female Coaches around the Globe
