But in order to maintain the success of the programme getting clubs to sign up is of paramount importance. So, if windsurfing takes place at your club and you’re not already involved in the RYA’s Team15 programme, then read on to find out what you’re missing out on.
Why should my club join Team15?
The programme is already very popular, with some 80 clubs and training centres already participating, but there is still plenty of room for more clubs to join in. So if you run a club, or are a member of a club that isn’t part of the Team15 revolution, the question you have to ask is why?
There are a number of clear benefits: To start with, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to raise your club profile and increase participation. Young members are important in keeping a club lively and vibrant, and membership of Team15 will ensure that youngsters are attracted to the club. Inter-club racing will also raise the standard of windsurfing and it provides a great means of meeting like-minded windsurfers and swapping tips.
Team15 also underpins the RYA’s youth and junior pathway, which is the very first step on the Olympic pathway, so membership to the programme gives talented young windsurfers a real focus and goal. It also means that if they have talent that needs to be developed, they are not going to be overlooked.
Membership to the programme will also give you access to RYA expertise, not only in terms of coaching, but also in guidance on how to secure grants and funding for your club’s development.
In addition to this, you will get the gear required to get young club members up and running, including free promotional literature to promote your club, a set of team race vests and a Team15 jacket and buoyancy aid for your head coach.
Where’s the catch?
It all sounds a bit too good to be true doesn’t it? Surely there has to be a catch? Well, the fact is that it won’t cost you a penny to join, so the only real investment is time and enthusiasm. One stumbling block that some clubs might encounter is that they are not an RYA recognised windsurfing training centre. You need this recognition to become a Team15 club. However, the RYA will be able to walk you through the steps you need to take in order to gain recognition.
The RYA has a network of Regional Development Officers working throughout the country who can help you achieve this. Not only would this mean you could sign up for Team15, but it would also be hugely beneficial to your older members too.
The next step
Sold on the idea? There isn’t too much to hold you back and the next step is simply to contact the RYA and register for the programme.
You can get a registration form by going to the RYA website (click below) or by calling direct on 02380 604 198.
www.rya.org.uk/programmes/team15/about/Pages/missionstatement.aspx
