In recent years, the drive to increase diversity and inclusion in Scottish sport has gained significant momentum. Last year, Sporting Equals launched LeaderBoard Scotland in partnership with sportscotland. One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from this programme is that of Sara Naveed, whose journey involves completing the LeaderBoard programme while pursuing her studies in Sports Development and Coaching at Abertay University. Alongside this Sara has also competed in netball tournaments with Cosmopolitan Roses in both the UK and Pakistan.
What is the LeaderBoard Programme?
The Sporting Equals LeaderBoard Programme is a pioneering initiative designed to support and develop talented individuals from ethnically diverse communities into leadership roles within sports boardrooms. The programme partners with sportscotland to ensure that ethnic diversity is represented at board level in Scotland.
The initiative is based on the understanding that decision-making in sports, like in any other sector, must be inclusive and reflective of societal diversity. The programme spans three days and aims to make participants “Board-ready.”
Topics covered include;
- Leadership and Achieving Equality
- Making a Difference
- Good Governance.
Recruitment is now open for the 2025 cohort, with the first two days taking place on the 21st and 22nd of January 2025 at The National Centre, Inverclyde. The programme is open to anyone from an ethnically diverse background who wants to make a difference on a national or regional board.
Sporting Equals and sportscotland seek candidates with a variety of experiences—those who have served on committees, elite athletes, grassroots sports enthusiasts, individuals with a broad professional background, and even those relatively new to sport including students who are studying or actively competing. The most important criterion is a passion for race equality within sport.
Sara’s Role and Impact
Sara took part in the first cohort of LeaderBoard Scotland earlier this year. Her involvement in the LeaderBoard Programme has been transformative, aiding her studies and enriching her understanding of governance, leadership, and the operational challenges of running a sports organisation at the highest level.
Speaking of her experience on the programme and the sessions delivered, Sara said, “I loved the LeaderBoard speakers that we heard from. Especially Aneela—she connected with me, and she projected her story with so much passion; it was amazing.”
Sara’s involvement in LeaderBoard also led to a connection with Cosmopolitan Roses, a London-based netball team that has spearheaded recruitment for the Pakistan national netball team, allowing Sara to compete at a national level in the sport.
If you would like to take part in this year’s LeaderBoard Scotland programme, please use the following link: LeaderBoard Scotland 2025 Application.
