With lots of sailing and boating activity ramping back up for the warmer months ahead – there’s lots to look forward to, including a range of opportunities to keep in mind at your club or organisation.

Whether you’re looking to put your activities on the map, find new funding opportunities, or support your workforce of volunteers, coaches and instructors, then be sure to read on.

Is your club running regular activity, and trying to engage more members? Increase your visibility by adding your details to ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland).  ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on health and wellbeing resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online.

The RYA Discover Sailing shop is now open! Are you planning an open sailing day at your club, to engage more participants? Discover Sailing is the RYA Demand Creation Campaign which supports clubs by providing both physical and online resources, regional communicator support as well as allowing clubs to benefit from being part of the national promotions. If you need further support delivering your event, clubs are encouraged to reach out to their RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer.

RYA Scotland wants to support your event! RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days. The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland’s available resources, and follow-up conversations. We may offer financial support, a coach or instructor, or other tangible assistance. Speak to your RDO or register your interest today.

The Development Team are delivering the final monthly RYA Scotland Connect Forum Call until the autumn. On the 27^th of May, the RYA Scotland Coaching and Training Team will lead the discussion on workforce development - how to support and develop your instructors, coaches, officials and volunteers. Robin Nicol, RYA Scotland Coach Education Development Manager says “this might just change your life!” Join the discussion with the RDOs, their guests, and your peers from around Scotland. 

#VolunteersWeek is fast approaching! This year, Volunteers' Week will run from 2-8 June - a great opportunity to celebrate and shout about the amazing people making activity happen across Scotland. Join the conversation by using the #volunteersweek hashtag on social media. Know someone who deserves recognition for all they do? RYA Scotland Impact Award nominations are open year round. Recently, we celebrated Feri Szincsak of Clyde Windsurfing Club for his unwavering commitment and positive impact on the Scottish windsurfing community.

Save the date for the 2025 RYA Connected Scotland conference on the 1^st and 2^nd of November at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline. Planning is underway and full details for content, presenters, and format will be shared as soon as they are available. It will certainly be two full days with loads of opportunities to learn, grow, and to speak to your peers from throughout Scotland.

The 2025 RYA Scotland Coaching Subsidy is open for applications. The Coach Education Team are offering to support instructor training in the small boat schemes for either individuals or organisations looking to run courses. While anyone can apply for the Coaching Subsidy there is a focus on supporting young coaches and instructors (under 26), women and girls, and those from rural backgrounds. Those meeting two of the criteria are highly likely to be eligible for up to 50% subsidy (of course cost) and those meeting one likely to be eligible depending on other factors such as volunteering or coming from an area of low SIMD (the Scottish Government's official tool for identifying areas in Scotland of concentrations of deprivation). Applications will be processed by the RYA Scotland Coaching Collective. Please feel free to contact coaching@ryascotland.org.uk if you have any queries. Apply here.

As you plan for future activity, here are some funding options to consider:

• RYA Foundation Youth Fund
• Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, applications open for Glasgow and the West until 22 June
• Poundland Foundation Kits 4 Kids, up to £750 for kit
• National Lottery Awards for All Scotland (Please ensure your RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer is aware of any application for this funding as they will likely be consulted during the review process).
• National Lottery Heritage Fund, possibly for traditional boat building or activity
• National Lottery Young Start, helping young people aged 8 to 24 to become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential
• Tesco Stronger Starts
• Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, for the provision of leisure activities for people with physical disabilities
• The Weir Charitable Trust
• Social Investment Scotland offer loan funding to charities and community groups.
• Athlete Travel Award Scheme supports travel costs for talented athletes.

All the best from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza, Nathalie & Naomi. 23/5/2025