project theia

DEVELOPMENT ACADEMYPROJECT THEIA

PurposeAs part of the Northern Ireland RYA Strategy “Navigating the Future” our mission is to support
participation across all aspects of our sport. “Project Theia” is the beginning of a Pilot Project
developed by the Pathways Officer, the project aims to shine upon Pathway routes andopportunities within the world of sailing. With “Re-Imagined Pathways” embedded in ourstrategy, Project Theia aims to inspire and develop sailors across Northern Ireland.
The Project name “Theia” is based on the Goddess of Sight & Vision in Greek mythology. Wewant people who are involved in all aspects of our sport, to see the pathways that sailing canoffer them and embrace the opportunities that sailing provides. Project Theia encourages
additional opportunities for sailors across Northern Ireland, making pathways more accessible
across our sport.

What does the project stand for?

Thraining & Racing Opportunities

eiaeighten support for Women + Girls & Disabled People

ducational opportunities across all aspects of the sport

nspiring people to develop & progress in their chosen pathway

chieving goals & celebrating successPROJECT THEIA
AREAS OF FOCUS

Women on Water
Development
Programme

Sailability
Participation &Competition

RYANI Team
Racing
Programme

Development
AcademyDEVELOPMENT ACADEMYWhat is the development academy?
The RYA Northern Ireland Development Academy is a key area of our
new pilot project, “Project Theia”.
The Development Academy is Open Pathway Training which embracesclass specific club-based coaching. The Development Academy
sessions are aimed at start racing and racing sailors who wish toprogress their skills and develop within the talent pathway. This model
encourages more specific race training at clubs and centres, but also
encourages more sailors to participate in training and racing at avariety of venues across Northern Ireland.
The Development Academy is entry level to those who are completely
new to racing and although we do not require sailors to have their RYA
Stages we do strongly recommend they are competent out on thewater (e.g. can sail strongly upwind, sail around a triangle course inmedium / strong winds and right a capsize with little assistance).
Coaching takes place in an environment that offers challenge, fun andfriendship. Timings usually run from 10am - 4pm but can differ
dependant on weather conditions.

THE PURPOSEThe Development Academy purpose is to support sailors after the summer
season (from August through to May), continuing their training and racing
journey throughout the winter season. Helping build confidence out on thewater, develop lifelong skills, making friendships within the sailing communityand having a strong coach, sailor working relationship. This stage of thesailors journey is important to encourage progression, fun and retainment
within the sport. We hope that the Development Academy will support sailors
who aspire to progress to the RYA Northern Ireland Academy or continue
their pathway within racing, furthermore an easier transition into YouthClasses when they are ready.
The Development Academy (DA) works as a 6-week block at the host club. We
hope that this will inspire clubs to continue a similar format of training as the DA
so their junior members can continue training and racing with their friends they
have made during the 6 week block. Alongside the DA we will be supporting
coaches and instructors coming through the Coach Development Programmewith mentoring during the programme. This encourages people being mentored
to upskill, have more drive to push activity at their club and a creates a feeling ofvalue. By hosting the DA, Clubs will be able to witness the importance of a routine
and see the success of structured training led by a coach, instructor, volunteer orofficial. We hope that this project will be inspiring for clubs to lead their own
training and support the development of the sailors involved in the DA further.

WHAT’S THE PROCESS?
The Development Academy is specifically for the followingclasses, Topper and Feva, we will host a maximum of 12 sailorsper Academy. Smaller numbers enable the Head/Lead coachto be able to support the sailors as a team and enables morecoaching one to one on the water.
The Development Academy is a total of 24 training sessions
per year and is based on an application process by Clubs andCentres. To apply to host a Development Academy you must
be an RTC and agree to the RYANI Hosting Terms andConditions. All training will follow under the Clubs SOPS, Risk
Assessments and other relevant documentation.
Please see the provisional calendar below of the Development
Academy Programme for 2024. Should your club or centre
wish to apply but dates clash with other activity, there may be
scope to emend dates. Please request this in your application.

DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY PROVISIONAL CALENDAR 2024
DEV AC - 1
HOSTED BY RED CLUBDEV AC - 2
HOSTED BY YELLOW CLUBDEV AC - 3
HOSTED BY GREEN CLUB

Week 1 - August 3rd
Week 2 - August 10th

Week 1 - September 14th
Week 2 - September 21st

Week 1 - March 15th
Week 2 - March 22nd

Week 3 - August 17th
Week 4 - August 24th
Week 5 - August 31
Week 6 - September 7th

Week 3 - September 28th
Week 4 - October 5th
Week 5 - October 12th
Week 6 - October 19th

Week 3 - March 29th
Week 4 - April 5th
Week 5 - April 12th
Week 6 - April 19th

DEV AC - 4
HOSTED BY BLUE CLUB
Week 1 - April 26th
Week 2 - May 3rd
Week 3 - May 10th
Week 4 - May 17th
Week 5 - May 24th
Week 6 - May 31st

When applying to host please select which Development Academy you are interested inhosting. Example Development Academy 1, 2, 3 or 4

PROJECT THEIA

Advice for Clubs or Centres applying to host a Development Academy
What we want to see:We want to see a clear vision of how you will continue supporting participation for this groupat your club. What are the plans after hosting a Development Academy - what steps will you
take for supporting junior sailors at your club and how much training you plan to run todevelop this group?
What implications will you apply to make racing and training more attractive / targeted
towards junior sailors?
Please state in detail how this programme will support your club / centre and how you will
support your workforce (volunteers) in collaboration with this programme?

DEVELOPMENT ACADEMYCLUBS AND CENTRES APPLY HERE

Applications close on the 20th March 2024 - 12 noon. Please ensure you have readthe RYANI Hosting Agreement Terms and Conditions.
Any questions regarding applications or the Development Academy pleasecontact the Pathways Officer - Kate Broderick
E: kate.pounder@rya.org.uk
M: 074-350-214-19