MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
FIND SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
Training for a triathlon can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our mentorship programme connects women at the start of their triathlon journey with experienced triathletes to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
HOW IT WORKS
🏅Open to all women-identifying individuals. The programme pairs 2-4 beginner triathletes (mentees) with an experienced triathlete (mentor) for a six-month cycle. One-on-one pairing is also available.
🏅This is not a coaching service and does not include structured training plans, but mentors will share experiences, offer advice, and help navigate the challenges of triathlon training and competition.
🏅 Communication takes place virtually, with recommended check-ins every 4-6 weeks.
🏅Mentor & mentee matches are announced on a rolling basis, and mentorship can begin as soon as matching takes place.
🏅The programme is completely free with our mentors generously volunteering their time to support our mission.
How are mentors matched with mentee groups?
We pair mentors with mentees primarily based on race distance and affinity. For example, mentors with experience in 70.3 races may be matched with mentees focusing on similar distances.
While grouping by location is ideal to encourage in-person meetings, this is not the program's primary goal, as it is designed to be virtual.
This program is designed to promote autonomy in the mentor/mentee group relationship. However, if you encounter challenges or need assistance, we are here to help!
Feel free to email us at mentorship@womenintriuk.org with any questions or concerns.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will receive an email introducing you to your mentor/mentee group. Mentorship matches happen on a rolling basis. You and your group decide the best way to communicate (e.g., WhatsApp, Zoom, or email). No formal reporting is required, but we welcome feedback to improve the programme.
Important: If you will be unavailable at certain times of the year, please note this in your application.
MENTEE REQUIREMENTS
✅ All women who are beginners or first-time triathletes (typically with less than 3 years of experience).
✅ Available to commit to 4-6 meetings over 6 months.
✅ Open to learning, sharing experiences, and asking questions.
✅ Gain confidence, learn from experienced triathletes, and receive ongoing support as you train.
MENTOR REQUIREMENTS
✅ All women who are experienced triathletes (typically with 3+ years of experience).
✅ Confident in mentoring athletes with varying levels of experience.
✅ Available to commit to 4-6 meetings over 6 months.
✅ Responsive and communicative with mentees.
✅ Willing to provide general guidance (not coaching) on all aspects of triathlon.
✅ Women in Tri UK will provide programme structure and training for mentors.
✅ Give back to the sport, share your knowledge, and empower women to reach their triathlon goals.
-
What is the Women in Tri UK Mentorship Program?The Women in Tri UK Mentorship Programme connects experienced triathletes with newer athletes to provide guidance, support, and inspiration as they navigate their triathlon journey. This six-month virtual program is designed to: Help mentees build confidence as they train for their triathlon goals. Foster a sense of community and shared learning among women in the triathlon space. Empower mentors to share their experiences, insights, and encouragement. Mentors play a key role in supporting mentees as they prepare for races, balance training with daily life, and develop their skills across swim, bike, and run. The program is not focused on providing professional coaching but rather creating meaningful connections and offering peer-to-peer support. Your involvement as a mentor helps create a positive, welcoming environment for new triathletes to thrive!
-
When does mentorship officially start?You will receive an email connecting you with your mentee group, which will consist of 2-4 mentees. The mentorship officially begins in January 2025 but matching happens on a rolling basis. You are welcome to contact your mentee group to arrange your first call whenever you’re ready. Once connected, you should aim to arrange a regular call every 4–6 weeks for the six-month duration of the program.
-
What is the time commitment for a mentor?You should dedicate at least 1–2 hours for a group call every 4–6 weeks for six months.
-
What kind of support will I receive from Women in Tri UKThis program is designed to promote autonomy in the mentor/mentee group relationship. However, if you encounter challenges or need assistance, we are here to help! Feel free to email us at mentorship@fundhertriuk.org with any questions or concerns.
-
What is the best way to communicate with my mentee group?This will depend on what works best for you and your mentee group based on location and comfort level. Many groups find a WhatsApp group an effective way to stay connected.
-
Is there any formal reporting or process required during the mentorship period?No formal reporting is required during the program. However, we will send a questionnaire to all participants once the program concludes to help measure its success. While the post-program questionnaire is important, feedback and suggestions are welcome at any time. Your input will help us improve future iterations of the program.
-
What kind of training guidance will I need to provide?As a mentor, you are not expected to act as a coach or similar. This has been clearly communicated to your mentees as well. Even if you are qualified in a relevant triathlon role professionally, for the purposes of this program, you should not take on such responsibilities. Providing these services could pose a liability risk to both you and the program. If your mentees express interest in receiving coaching or other services from you, please notify us and set up a separate agreement with the mentee(s). You may share general advice or tips that have worked for you, but avoid prescribing specific training plans or nutrition programs. If your mentee(s) require support outside of triathlon, such as with work-life balance, feel free to offer general advice based on your experience. For more serious or delicate issues, encourage them to seek professional support and notify us if needed.
-
What if I’m younger than my mentees?Age and life circumstances are considered during the matching process, but there may be instances where a mentor is younger than their mentees. In such cases, we trust in your ability to share your training and triathlon experience.
-
Will I be providing coaching or a training plan to my mentee(s)?No. Please refer to the section above regarding your role as a mentor versus that of a coach or trainer. While sharing personal tips is fine, make it clear that these are suggestions, not prescribed programs.
-
What if I don’t feel qualified to answer a question from my mentees?You are not expected to know the answer to every question. Be honest and transparent with your mentees about your knowledge and set clear boundaries. If a question falls outside your expertise, you can consult the Mentors-Only WhatsApp Group, where mentors support one another. You can join this group via the link in our community section on the website.
-
What else do I need to know before I get started?Please read this article prior to the mentor training. Additional questions will be covered during the training pack that will be distributed.
