Judy Bell joins the SOA as our new Coaching and Volunteer Officer

This week saw the retiral of our Coaching and Volunteer Officer, Suzanne Robins-Bird who joined SOA, initially on a short term contract, in November 2021. We are very grateful for everything she has accomplished during her tenure including finalising the course content, with the support of the tutors, of the SOA coaching qualifications, aligning the SOA coaching qualifications to the Scottish Coaching Certificates, extending the volunteer education provision and her push to celebrate the efforts of volunteers within our sport. We are very glad that Suzanne will continue as one of the SOA coaching tutors and know that she is looking forward to having the time to get involved with delivery of development work for her club Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC).

Following a competitive interview process, we are glad to announce the appointment of Judy Bell of Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club (ESOC) as Suzanne’s replacement as Coaching and Volunteer Officer.

Many of you may have come across Judy as the current Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad (ScotJOS) Manager, a role she is stepping back from in October this year, or in her role as a tutor for the SOA coaching qualifications or indeed as a highly experienced coach within her club and east area. We welcome Judy to her new role and are all looking forward to the enthusiasm and practical experience that Judy will bring to the Coaching and Volunteer Officer role. Judy can be contacted via the email judy@scottish-orienteering.org