Throughout the UK there is a remarkable array of people who work together to create vibrant clubs that introduce and retain large numbers of people from a range of backgrounds and thereby ensure our sport and our clubs continue to thrive. In 2007, in order to recognise and promote their outstanding achievements we launched this exclusive Award for clubs. Ten years on, and the RYA is re-launching the Club of the Year Award and seeking to reflect the latest insight and intelligence regarding what makes a vibrant and successful club.

Over recent years a number of research projects have provided a greater insight into: which groups of people are likely to have an interest in boating and how best to attract

them; why, when and how people take up boating activities; how frequently they participate, how long for and in what disciplines; what keeps them in the sport, the reasons they stop participating as well as what

brings them back; what aspects of their club members are satisfied with and which bits detract from their

overall satisfaction;

All of this information can help clubs ensure that they are best placed to attract and retain new members and participants. This insight can also help clubs consider what they offer, ascertain how to deliver the right kinds of activities, in the right format and importantly how to promote them. Creating a thriving and vibrant club is all about an environment which makes joining attractive and provides opportunities for the largest numbers of people to enjoy your activities.

The RYA is keen to encourage, reward, learn from and share examples of innovation and best practice and applications are invited from affiliated clubs that can evidence their recent success in one of five new categories:

i. Innovation ii. Inclusivity

iii. Facility Development iv. Increasing Participation

v. Communication (See below for more information on Categories)

What does the research tell us?

The annual RYA Club Membership Census (England) has consistently reported that clubs with a growing membership are likely to have invested in modernising or developing their facilities – creating a location where people want to spend time. They will be welcoming and run open days and taster sessions for the local community, alongside marketing their club effectively. The census also identifies trends suggesting that clubs with falling memberships are more likely to have an aging membership, struggling to attract younger members and failing to respond to the pressures their members face with regard to increasing family and/or work commitments.

Early evidence from the RYA Club Member Survey (2016 pilot), suggests that the way people first experience boating has changed quite dramatically over the years. Nowadays, relative new-comers to the sport who have subsequently become sailing club members, are

far more likely to try the sport of their own volition or be introduced via organised taster sessions or open days. The proportion of members being introduced by a parent or other family member has fallen by about 40% since the 1960’s, meaning we can’t rely on dynasty sailing families and traditional routes.

Clubs can no longer rely on ‘traditional’ pathways into the sport and must embrace modern ways of promoting and marketing their offer to new members and participants. These people will need a great welcome and to be nurtured as they progress to becoming regular participants.

The survey identifies the newer members and those participating less frequently are the least satisfied with their club. It therefore follows that clubs should quickly welcome and fully integrate new members into club life, and ensure they offer activities that encourage and enable people to get on the water more often.

The SPA Team Watersports (2014) research identified that important aspects of clubs/centres are inclusivity – i.e. being open to all with individuals who can help and support people to learn new skills. Another important aspect was providing a family friendly environment, enabling families to spend time together enjoying a variety of boating opportunities. Respondents to this survey continue to perceive sailing as being technical, elitist and physically demanding, so clubs need to focus effort on dispelling some of these myths when trying to attract newcomers.

The Watersports Participation Survey (2015) reported a slight drop (6.5%) in participation in ‘any boating activities. The gap between male and female participation continues to exist however recent data shows a narrowing of this gap, despite males continuing to participate more frequently with 25% of male participants being active 6 or more times per year compared to 16% for females.

Getting Active Outdoors (2015) reported that there are an additional 18.2m people not currently active outdoors who want to re-engage and resume or begin to participate in the next 12 months. This suggests there is latent demand and that sailing clubs should reach out, looking to capture a greater share of this potential market.

A rising population and increasing life expectancy mean we are seeing a demographic shift never experienced before. ‘The Active Third Age’ (those over the age of 60) is set to rise over 40% in the next 20 years, with people staying active longer. ‘Millennials’- will make up 22% of the population by 2030 and this generation expect personal and tailored experiences. ‘Extended families’ and a ‘growing ethnic mix’ mean that activity providers need to offer flexible experiences that cater to their varied wants and needs and also for cultural diversity.

What can clubs do in response to these findings?There is a clear message in all of this data and insight – the sport of sailing and sailing clubs need to keep pace with the demands of an ever evolving society. For clubs to continue to be successful in the future they will need to be responsive to the needs of both their existing and prospective members. They will need to employ creative thinking and be innovative with the range of activities they offer and the methods they use to promote them. ‘Future proofing’ clubs will require us to focus on dispelling myths about boating and actively promoting ourselves to attract and retain new comers to the sport. Clubs will need to ensure that the environments and experiences they create fulfil the needs and expectations of a larger spectrum of society. To be truly successful clubs will need to become proactive and skilled in the use of modern communication.

The RYA is keen to encourage clubs to look to the future and positively embrace the challenges ahead to ensure the network of sailing providers is in the very best position going forwards. RYA Club of the Year Award is just one way to recognise those clubs who are already engaging in innovative practice and celebrating their success in some of these areas.

‘Has your club successfully implemented a project, or strategy that has led to increased membership or

activity?‘The RYA is keen to encourage, reward, learn from and share examples of innovation and best practice and has introduced the following categories:

i. Innovation – recognising a club initiative that makes a break from traditional ways of running a club or delivering boating activity. For example this could be delivery of activities at different times of the week, day or year, or organising different formats of training or racing to engage with new participants etc.;

ii. Inclusivity – aims to identify a club project which has been impactful in developing participation amongst people with disabilities or from other under-represented or disadvantaged groups. Emphasis should be on inclusivity not segregation.

iii. Facility Development – where a club has undertaken facility developments and has been creative and resourceful in the design, minimised environmental impact, and/or shown innovation in securing funding and provision of club facilities.

iv. Increasing Participation – acknowledging a club that has delivered the most impactful participation project, the outcomes of which are, attracting and retaining new participants and growing their membership;

v. Communications – a club that has embraced the use of modern communications, e.g. social media platforms or who have been proactive and forward thinking in their communications and marketing using websites, local press, radio etc.

The RYA Honours and Awards Panel will select five finalist clubs, one from each of the categories. The Overall Winner will be selected from these five and will be announced at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show in 2017.

‘Could your club be one of the best in the UK?’

Clubs are invited to complete an Application Form by 31st October 2016For more information and to download the application form, go to

www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear

‘A great opportunity to put your club on the map!

RYA Club of the Year AwardApplication Guidelines

1. Applications will only be accepted from clubs which are affiliated to the RYA in 2016.

2. The ‘Overall Winner’ of RYA Club of the Year Award is not permitted to re-apply in the year they hold the title.

3. Clubs can apply to be considered in a maximum of two of the five categories, and should indicate their 1st and 2nd choice of category.

4. The RYA Honours and Awards Panel (The Panel) will consider all applications.

5. Clubs should complete and submit the Application Form by 5pm on Monday 31st October 2016, ensuring answers are kept to within the prescribed word limit.

6. Applications should be accompanied by a copy of the current club business / development plan or strategic document.

7. The club may also submit up to 5 power point presentation slides to help bring the application to life which could include photos, graphics or video (maximum of 5 minutes of video).

8. Any video content should be submitted by providing a YouTube link to that video.

9. The Panel will also review the club website, Facebook page, Twitter etc.

10. The Panel will consider the applications in November and may request further information from the club, or may arrange to visit the club in December or early January.

11. The Panel will meet in January and choose up to five finalist clubs to receive an Award, one in each category. One Overall Winner will be selected.

12. Clubs will be notified of the Panel’s decision in early February 2017.

13. The RYA Club of the Year Award presentation will take place at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show on the 4th March 2017. Representatives from the finalist clubs will be invited to attend the Award Presentation.

14. The decision of the RYA Honours and Awards Panel is final.

Deadline for applications Application as detailed above, should be received by the RYA no later than

5pm on Monday 31st October 2016.

Send application to: clubdev@rya.org.ukor

RYA Club of the Year Award,Sport Development, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4YA

Tel: 02380 604 199Web: www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear

Application Form - 2017We would prefer the form to be typed, but block capitals in black ink will also be accepted.

Club Name:

Name ofClub Contact:

Role within club:

Phone No: Mobile:

Email:

Please indicate the category you wish to be considered for: Please indicate your 1st category, and a 2nd if applicable Innovation Inclusivity Facility Developments Increasing Participation Communications

Checklist: Application form completed Copy of club development plan included Additional information supplied (max 5 powerpoint slides)

Insert link to YouTube video content: ………………………………………………………………..

Declaration I confirm that I have authority to make this application on behalf of the club.I accept the RYA Club of the Year Award guidelines on behalf of the club.I confirm, to my knowledge, all the information in this form is true and correct. I understand that the decision of the RYA Awards Panel is final.

Name: Date:

All forms should be received by RYA no later than5pm on Monday 31st October 2016.

E-mail to: clubdev@rya.org.ukSend to: RYA Club of the Year Award, Sport Development, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4YATelephone: 02380 604 199

When answering the following questions, it is important that you provide specific information that demonstrates the clubs’ achievements and identifies what sets it apart from other clubs.

1. Briefly summarise what the club has done, IN RELATION TO THE CATEGORY CHOSEN. (250 words maximum)

2. How has this impacted on participation or club membership? (250 words maximum)

3. What are the club’s plans to capitalise on this project/strategy? (250 words maximum)

4. Why do you believe this club should be RYA Club of the Year 2017? (250 words maximum)