Basketball Ireland Supporting Seven Participants on Female Athlete Microcredential

Basketball Ireland is delighted to partner with SHE Research and the Department of Sport and Health Sciences at TUS Athlone to support seven participants to complete the Level 6 Female Athlete Microcredential.

Funded through the Women in Sport Programme with the support of Sport Ireland, this initiative aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of female athletes by providing funded places for female coaches, volunteers, or male allies who are actively working with female basketball players.

Basketball Ireland's Chief Operation Officer Louise O'Loughlin welcomed the initiative at the recent announcement, saying, "supporting those who work with female athletes is one of the most effective ways we can enhance the experience and support better outcomes for women and girls in basketball. We're delighted to offer these funded places and continue building a community that understands and champions the specific needs of female athletes."

The online microcredential is designed for anyone with a genuine interest in supporting female athletes, including coaches, parents, athletes, and support personnel. There are no formal eligibility requirements beyond a commitment to learning more about gender in sport and improving the sporting experience for female athletes.

The module will provide participants with an understanding of the key physiological and performance differences between males and females in the context of sport and exercise science. It also explores the female-specific considerations that should be taken into account when coaching, supporting, and working with female athletes.

Basketball Ireland will fund seven places on the programme. If applications exceed the number of available places, all submissions will be reviewed, with priority given to applicants who are actively involved in supporting female basketball players. While places cannot be guaranteed, Basketball Ireland hopes to offer further opportunities in the future, subject to demand and engagement. 

Applications via the PDF application form below should be submitted directly to Louise O'Loughlin at loloughlin@ireland.basketball. Applicants are encouraged to review the course commitment outlined in the accompanying PDF before applying.

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Application deadline: Friday, 7 August 2026.

Application Form

Course Commitment Outline

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