In a bid to encourage even more youngsters to sign up to Team15 (T15) and to help in the education of young sailors, many of whom are new to windsurfing and windsurfing competition, the RYA has signed up ‘Team15 Ambassadors’.
The new ambassadors are made up of youngsters from the RYA Zone Squads, who typically range between eight and 15 years old and are tasked with helping develop their Team15 club by promoting Team15 and the RYA pathway and Zone Squad programme to other young sailors.
The ambassadors will also represent the RYA at Team15 inter-club events and act as a point of contact for the sailors who may have questions about the zone squad and other training opportunities.
One of the new ambassadors from the RYA North zone squad and has been a member of Team15 for three years said: “I am 11 years old and love windsurfing. Being a member of the RYA North Zone Squad I feel there are lots of skills that I can pass on to my Team15 friends. I am happy to help out and get involved promoting the Team15 initiative to others; I have already introduced 4 new children to come and join our Team15 club this spring.”
Gillian Wright, RYA Windsurfing Development Officer said: “The ambassadors are a great way for the youngsters to share their skills and knowledge with other young sailors. All the kids taking part as so enthusiastic, but with some events having 50 plus competitors they are going to have their work cut out for them.”
The first Team15 Ambassadors were presented with their certificates and specially designed rash vests at a recent Zone Squad training weekend. The ambassadors included:
Rob Griffiths (North Lincs Invaders)
Robert York (Covenham Cyclones)
Lewis May (North Lincs Invaders)
Jack Bailey (Team Astbury)
Emma Labourne (North Lincs Invaders)
Max Bushell (North Lincs Invaders)
Ruben Lansley (North Lincs Invaders)
James Bloor (Team Astbury)
Ben Stone (Team Astbury)
Catriona Hards (Hythe Hotshots)
Cameron Moffatt (Bewl Blasters)
Jack Trollope (Alton Water Wipeouts)
Matthew Barton (Alton Water Wipeouts)
Emily Hall (Notts County Outlaws)
Sarah Jackson (Team Astbury)
Luke Raistrick (Pugneys Pirates)
Rich Wardle (Team Astbury)
So if you’re a windsurfer in one of the RYA Zone Squads and would like to apply to become a Team15 ambassador, then email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for an application form.
T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level and is supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.
The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills.
To find out how you or your local club can get involved in Team15 visit: www.team15.org.uk <http://www.team15.org.uk> or contact the RYA *0845 345 0400*.
