Youngsters from across the country will be helping to inspire even more young people to get involved and progress in windsurfing after being selected as new RYA Team15 (T15) Ambassadors.

The 16 youngsters from the RYA Zone Squads are aged between 10 and 15 and were officially awarded with their ambassador certificates at the RYA Techno Easter Camp in Weymouth this weekend (13-14 April).  

“We are delighted to announce our new T15 ambassadors. The role was created to recognise RYA Zone and UK Squad windsurfers who play an important part in the education of other T15 sailors, many of whom are new to windsurfing and windsurfing competition” explains RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer Gillian Wright.  

As successful ambassadors the youngsters will now help to develop their T15 club by promoting T15, the RYA Pathway and the RYA Zone Squad Programme. They will also become a point of contact for other young sailors who may need advice about how to move forward in the sport.      

“The windsurfers who have been selected are hugely enthusiastic and have all shown that they’re willing to share their skills and knowledge with other young sailors. Hopefully we will see even more Team15ers progressing through the RYA pathway” continues Gillian.  

Erin Watson (13) who competes with the T15 Loch Insh Monsters said: “I went to the T15 Champions Cup when I had only been windsurfing for three months and everyone was very helpful. Hopefully I will be just as helpful and friendly to other newcomers to windsurfing”.  

Joe Parrott (13) member of the Siblyback Water Warriors said: “I have already encouraged some of my friends to try windsurfing and some are now members of our T15 squad. I would like to work for a coaching qualification so I can teach others and show them what fun windsurfing is!”  

If you’re a windsurfer in the RYA Zone Squads you can apply to become a Team15 ambassador. Visit www.Team15.org.uk for more information and an application form.  

T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches.  

The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.    

To get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.