Boost for young Eastbourne windsurfers

The bursaries fund applicants who have shown the capability and enthusiasm to support their fellow sailors to attend an RYA Race Coach Level 2 (RCL2) course. They go to Megan Kraft and Sam Williams who windsurf with Buzz Active in Eastbourne.

Megan writes: "We had a great few days in Weymouth on our Race Coach Level 2 course, this was all made possible by the Coaching Bursaries provided from the Youth Training Fund. During these two days, we learnt how to run effective on land and on water race related sessions. All of the coaches got the opportunity to run a session on water and a few on land sessions.

“The course was hugely beneficial, I feel as though I have learnt a lot and gained lots of new ideas.”

In return for the bursary sailors are expected to pass on their experiences and enthusiasm to help inspire others to follow in their footsteps, and Megan says: “I  found new things to teach and more creative ways to deliver these sessions back at our club. We are hoping to use these new ideas to develop our Team 15 Windsurfers and improve their race skills. Thank you for your support in developing us as coaches!!"

Sam’s notable achievements to date were reported when he received his bursary back in February 2020, but due to Coronavirus restrictions he had to wait until now to take his course. He said: “Having my RCL2 qualification will compliment my National Squad coaching experience to help develop our team. I’m passionate about giving my experience back to Team15 where it all started for me.

“I'd also like to add a personal thank you to all involved in the Youth Training Fund for the funding and help in getting my Race Coach qualification.”

 Dave Ellis, Chairman of the RYA’s LSEYTF added: "It’s fantastic for young sailors to be able to experience a range of opportunities, both in the UK and internationally, during their development as they learn so much. But the costs of travel, accommodation, food etc. all quickly mount up and the bursaries provide some assistance to our young sailors as they develop their sailing careers”.

“We have an abundance of talent in the region and we want to give our young sailors, whether destined for ‘podiums’ or as coaches, the best chance to realise their ambitions.”

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