Shaping the future of water sports, together
RYA Futures Lab is the RYA's youth ambassador programme, bringing together a diverse team of passionate young people aged 16-25 from across the boating and watersports community.
Futures Lab gives young people a voice in the decisions that will shape the future of our sport.
Members work directly with the RYA to share ideas, challenge thinking, and help tackle barriers to participation, from access and affordability to representation and opportunity.
Why is our Futures Lab important?
The future of sport will be shaped by the next generation, so it's important that young people have a voice in the decisions being made today.
The RYA represents over 100,000 members, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of affiliated clubs, classes and training centres. Futures Lab helps ensure that the perspectives and experiences of young people are part of the conversation as the sport evolves.
By bringing fresh thinking, lived experience and new ideas, Futures Lab helps inform decision-making and challenge assumptions. It provides a platform for young people to influence the future of the sport, helping to make boating and watersports more inclusive, accessible and relevant for generations to come.
“I joined the Futures Lab because sailing matters to me, and I want young people to have the chance to shape its future. It’s a place where passionate, likeminded individuals can come together and make a difference in an ever-changing sport.”
Want to be part of RYA Futures Lab?
What do FL members do:
- Join monthly online “labs” to share ideas and create solutions
- Help shape RYA projects, events, and youth programmes
- Take part in a national leadership academy run by Unloc, including a residential experience and practical bootcamp
- Build skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership
- Learn about equality, inclusion, and sustainability in sport
- Get free RYA membership, travel support, and professional references
- You’ll also connect with a growing likeminded network of young changemakers from across the UK.
Recruitment is currently paused, however if you are interested in the work of RYA Futures Lab and would like to be considered in the future, please do get in touch: futures@rya.org.uk.
