“We’ve seen children, teachers and even parents grow in confidence" - RYA OnBoard celebrates 20 years in Manchester
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Hollingworth Lake, hosted a special event this week to celebrate 20 years of a youth sailing initiative in the North West.
Since 2005, RYA OnBoard has introduced more than 1.3 million young people aged 8–18 to sailing and windsurfing, building life skills and confidence on and off the water.
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Hollingworth Lake remains a vital area for these activities to take place.
To mark this big birthday, local schoolchildren from Greenbank Primary – many of whom experienced being in water for the very first time through the project – took to the water in boats named after the programme’s very first participants.
Additionally, pupils from Marland Primary School also had their first experience on the water.
The event was run just ahead of the Government Spending Review, shining a spotlight on the value of sustained investment in grassroots sport in Rochdale.
RYA OnBoard said: “Over 6,000 children in the North West sailed through the programme last year alone and more than 3,200 took part in regular sessions, with many progressing into volunteering, coaching, and leadership roles.”
Adam McGovern, RYA Regional Development Manager, said: “This is more than a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the long-term impact that inclusive, community-based sport can have.”
Adding: “We’ve seen children, teachers and even parents grow in confidence, develop new skills, and connect with the outdoors in a way that can change lives.”
To find your nearest OnBoard activity centre, you can also use the RYA’s ‘Find My Nearest’ online tool, filtering services by OnBoard club. More information is also available online at www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/get-onboard-childrens-sailing.