The SOA is looking to appoint someone to operate as the coordinator for the Scottish Elite and Development Squad (SEDS). The role of SEDS is encourage the retention and development of young adults within the sport by providing training in a sociable environment.
SEDS has previously focussed on TD5 level training but additional funding has been sourced to allow TD3/4 training to be developed. Whilst we are not looking for the SEDS coordinator to necessarily plan such training, we are looking to extend training opportunities for improvers and for any training opportunities to allow the inclusion of TD3/4 level training alongside TD5 training where possible.
As the delayed white Christmas cold weather descended over Scotland a group of us hardy orienteers made our way up to Speyside for a chance to get in some top-quality terrain. The camp was joint for SEDS (Scottish Elite and Development Squad) and the British Orienteering squads to people travelled from all over the UK to join.
The camp was based out of Kincraig which provided a great location for the training areas and most importantly a warm hall to sleep in. The general plan of the camp each day was Wake up > Breakfast > Train > Café > Train > Tea > Sleep, which seemed like we were nailing the athlete lifestyle.
The Scottish Elite and Development Squad (SEDS) helps Scottish-based orienteering athletes to reach their potential and promotes top quality training which is open to all athletes currently at TD5. It also offers an opportunity for ScotJOS leavers and orienteers aged between 18 – 39 to stay in the sport and develop their skills with a programme of coaching and social trips. The training programme is currently organised by SOA’s performance manager Graham Gristwood – grahamgristwood@scottish-orienteering.org.
The Scottish Elite and Development Squad (SEDS) is an initiative designed to help orienteers in their 20s and beyond to stay in the sport.
SEDS arranges for groups to take part in major events and training. In the middle of February, sixteen orienteers – paying their own way – travelled to Burgohondo, two hours west of Madrid, for a warm weather training camp.
The week in Spain ended with the four-day Maximus O Meeting (MOM) event.
The MOM is a huge and important event with a top field from across Europe. There were 85 in the Women’s Elite and 220 in the Men’s Elite, which had to be split in two to cope with the numbers.
Having established that we need to find a way to retain and grow the key demographic of 20-39, the SOA Board have appointed Graham Gristwood as Scottish Orienteering Performance Manager working 2 days a month from 1st September.
Photo Credit: Rob Lines
Graham brings both his experience as GB athlete and that of a level 3 licensed coach who has worked in a variety of coaching roles for both clubs and at a personal level. His role is one aimed at both the support of elite athletes as well as helping to encourage retention of orienteers in the sport between 20 and 39. To address any conflict of interest regarding WOC 2024 ( as Graham was one of the WOC mappers, and previously was Technical Director before COVID delays), Graham will only be working on forest based support until after WOC 2024.
In order to develop orienteers aged between 20 -39, he will aim to work not only with Scotjos leavers but any athletes in the age group who are running at TD 5 and based in Scotland. The aim is to encourage these athletes to remain in the sport through coaching trips and social elements as well as helping high level coaching development in Scotland.
At the elite level, Graham will help prepare Scottish based athletes when they either represent Scotland at the Senior Home Internationals or are selected to represent GB. Athletes and their coaches will be engaged on a one to one level with Graham developing a regular program through the year to provide not just training but coordination of transport to event. The hope is to develop a team feel where people are proud to represent Scotland.
If any athletes would like to be included on mailing list or if any licensed coaches are interested in working with the programme please get in touch with Graham directly on grahamgristwood@scottish-orienteering.org
