Waltham Abbey-based Fishers Green Sailing Club is now offering a unique programme of water sport activity days – thanks to a new partnership with leading youth education and maritime training charity, UKSA.
Windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, powerboats, dingy sailing and raft building are just some of the activities UKSA instructors are offering at the 180-acre Holyfield Lake, by way of an umbrella initiative that will also include day trip and residential options (via the Youth Hostel Association’s London Lee Valley facility in neighbouring Cheshunt) for local schools and groups, career training, leisure courses and education programmes.
Additionally, UKSA are introducing their acclaimed YES (Youth Engagement for Schools) programme locally, which has proved hugely successful on the Isle of Wight where they are based – it seeks to keep 14-16 year-olds in danger of exclusion, more engaged in education through raising their aspirations and achievements and also improving their ability to communicate with others.
Alan Francis, club secretary at Fishers Green Sailing Club (FGSC), explains: “This exciting new venture with UKSA and the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) will greatly extend our outreach into the local community and introduce new participants to all kinds of water sport experiences. It will also provide opportunities for FGSC members and others to gain Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and other qualifications at the new training centre, thus adding a vital benefit to current and potential FGSC members.”
Daryl Pride, director at Cowes-based UKSA, says: “Our new strategic direction is to open up spokes around the country to increase our national reach and widen the positive impact we have on young people. Fishers Green is our first full-time facility and its location is very handy for schools and groups in both Essex and Hertfordshire, as well as some of the most deprived boroughs of London.
“Expert staff have already been seconded from Cowes for the summer holidays, plus both charities (UKSA and YHA) are working together to benefit one another on delivering water sports tuition and residential trips. And initial reaction to our YES programme has been very positive because local schools can appreciate the benefits of disengaged students undertaking active learning within small groups and out of their normal environment.”
Caroline White, chief executive for YHA (England & Wales), adds: “I am delighted with our partnership with UKSA to deliver the water sports camps at Lee Valley, because they offer young people a brilliant and fulfilling experience with fully trained and experienced instructors. By working closely with UKSA and with the discounts we’re able to offer, we can introduce even more young people to new activities and experiences, so that they can learn and develop their skills while exploring new places and meeting new friends.”
Courses start from just £22 per student and there is one leader place free of charge for every ten places. To book an activity or find out more call UKSA on 01983 203045, email [email protected] or contact YHA London Lee Valley on 01992 628392 or [email protected].
For detailed information on all the new activities and courses available, the pricing structure, plus the residential packages on offer, visit http://www.uksacourses.org/yha
