Youth windsurfing & sailing in England has recently received a significant funding boost with Sport England awarding the RYA an additional grant totalling £1.1 million with the purpose of further developing sailing and windsurfing for young people.

Through increased support for the RYA's existing Volvo RYA Champion Club, OnBoard and Team15 youth initiatives, the funding will enhance the provision of junior and youth training, race training and provide additional coaching and coaching resources throughout England. It will also provide clubs with funding for the crucial process of training and developing volunteers.

By supporting coaching and volunteering at existing and potential Volvo RYA Champion Clubs, OnBoard and Team15 clubs and centres, the funding will make sailing and windsurfing more accessible to young people across England while also providing progression for those who want to further develop their skills and take part in racing.

Duncan Truswell, RYA Junior Racing Manager, explained that the grant, to be rolled out over the next three years, provides a fantastic opportunity for clubs to swell their ranks and secure their long-term futures.

He said: "This funding will be a real boon to youth sailing and windsurfing in England.  It will allow even more clubs and centres to launch youth training programmes and engage with the OnBoard and Team15 initiatives or become a Volvo RYA Champion Club. 

"It will also allow existing clubs to enhance the quality of training they provide and enable additional volunteers to become qualified. The funding aims to make it easier and more cost effective for clubs to develop these programmes by providing coaches, and funding volunteer training.

"The provision of training is vitally important in ensuring the future success of clubs. Clubs which provide easy access for children and their families and also deliver safe, well-structured and effective training will attract more members and generate revenue for the club".  

IMPORTANT NOTE

Any T15 club interested in receiving clubs and coaches funding should visit the RYA Volvo Champion Club website and download the guidance notes and engagement forms, then contact their HPM before the end of June.