Gathering Discussion for Scottish Football Clubs - Season of 2025 Summer
RYA Scotland has been a beacon of activity this summer, hosting the Scottish Hansa Championship and Duncan's Regatta at Bardowie, and supporting various clubs' junior fun events across the country[1]. The Orkney Island Games 2025 also took place, further cementing Scotland's reputation as a hub for water sports.
In a significant move to empower young people within the Scottish sailing and boating community, RYA Scotland introduced Youth Voices[2]. This initiative offers a platform for individuals aged 14 to 25 (with a maximum age of 23 for new members) to come together, work on exciting projects, and ultimately influence RYA Scotland decision makers.
Safety remains a top priority for RYA Scotland. The latest guidance on PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks has been provided, offering clarity on the types of roles within clubs and organizations that require such checks[1][2]. This update ensures appropriate protection standards are maintained and encourages clubs to review these guidelines carefully to determine the correct application of PVG checks for their volunteers and staff involved in youth or vulnerable adult activities.
Supporting young coaches and instructors (under 26), women and girls, and those from rural backgrounds is a key focus for the Coach Education Subsidy[3]. RYA Scotland is also facilitating and subsidizing two sportscotland Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) sessions. A specific Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) course is available for Safeguarding/Welfare Officers in Scotland.
The summer has seen numerous success stories on the water. Duncan Greenhalgh took top spot in the Duncan's Regatta Challenger fleet, while Rory McKinna won the Hansa 303 singles podium and the doubles win alongside Paula Roddy.
Looking ahead, funding options are available for future activities. The RYA Foundation Youth Fund, Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Young Start, Tesco Stronger Start, Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, The Weir Charitable Trust, Cash Back for Communities, Social Investment Scotland, and Athlete Travel Award Scheme are all worth considering.
The Athlete Travel Award Scheme, specifically, supports travel costs for Highland and island talented athletes. As the summer comes to a close, many people continue to enjoy water sports, basking in the good weather and embracing the sporting spirit that RYA Scotland has fostered.
[1] RYA Scotland (2025). RYA Scotland News: Summer 2025 Edition. [online] Available at: https://www.ryascotland.org.uk/news/summer-2025-edition/
[2] RYA Scotland (2025). Introducing Youth Voices. [online] Available at: https://www.ryascotland.org.uk/youth-voices/
[3] RYA Scotland (2025). Coach Education Subsidy. [online] Available at: https://www.ryascotland.org.uk/coach-education-subsidy/
Active participation in sports is a key focus for RYA Scotland, with numerous events hosted over the summer such as the Scottish Hansa Championship, Duncan's Regatta, and the Orkney Island Games, showcasing Scotland's status as a water sports hub. Additionally, the Youth Voices initiative offers young individuals a platform to work on exciting projects and influence RYA Scotland decision makers.
