The National Club Pathway Lead:

Australian Sailing has introduced an exciting, new role which invests in creating life-long sailors at clubs and focuses on retaining and developing sailors, coaches and volunteers at clubs. Sarah Ogilvie’s role as the National Club Pathway Lead will focus on developing club sailing pathway options for sailors that sit within steps 4 – 6 of the Discover Sailing Pathway (pictured); where steps 1-3 include learn to sail programs. The first phase of the project focuses on members aged under 24 years.

Sarah Ogilvie’s role with Australian Sailing commenced in January 2021. However, she is no stranger to the sailing world. Sarah joins the Australian Sailing team from her most recent role as Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron’s Sailing Manager. Sarah has an extensive background within sailing across various volunteer and paid roles and is an advocate for women and girls in sailing as well as inclusion more generally. Alongside being a dual Olympian and World Champion, Sarah sat on the Australian Sailing board and was extensively involved in the review into State Underpinning Programs. Sarah’s understanding of sailing from various standpoints has positioned her well for her new role.

Club Sailing Pathways – the past 6 months:
In the her first 6 months, Sarah has been working with clubs, coaches and stakeholders across the nation; listening to their concerns and implementing their insights into development of a club pathway structure. She has also investigated best practice in member participation across the sports industry more generally. A National Club Pathway Working Group has been developed which has provided access to voices from around the nation; which will influence the direction and development of club pathway programs.  
The need for Australian Sailing to provide support via tools, training and resources; in order for clubs to provide a well ingrained pathway for sailors beyond learn-to-sail and service their members’ needs has been identified. The program is designed to facilitate opportunities for skill development within sailing; as well as club skills such as race management and involvement via coaching or general club activities. The ultimate goal is to assist clubs to grow membership whilst encouraging participation in a flexible, fun and accessible manner.

Club Sailing Pathways – the next steps
The first phase of the Club Pathway development process focuses on members aged under 24 years and will centre around implementing pilot programs at various clubs over the 2021-22 sailing season. These will be critical for informing further program development.

Some of the pilot programs will include:
•    Transition from Learn-To-Sail (Tackers/ Better Sailing) to Green Fleet
•    Trial of ‘Introductory Coaching Endorsement’ for Instructors working with Green Fleet
•    Testing resources and tools that have been designed to assist club volunteers, staff, coaches
•    Young leader bespoke project testing
•    Coach Curriculum ‘Discipline Streams’ – kites, windsurfing, keelboat, dinghy
•    Coach development for fostering performance and youth potential

Club Sailing Pathways – the near future:
Formalised club-based programs are inbound. Australian Sailing recognises the existing strengths and success within some club-based programs and understands the varying needs of clubs; some require assistance to grow whereas other clubs are beginning the process. Australian Sailing will provide resources, options and tools to support clubs to reach the proposed outcomes (pictured below).

Over the next 12 months, Sarah will work with clubs, coaches, sailors, volunteers, athletes and various stakeholders; to bring club-based coaching programs to life. She intends to learn from the successes of current coaching programs and facilitate further developments to ensure the program is suitable/ adaptable for all clubs. Sarah will be on the ground, attending youth clinics, coaching courses and visiting clubs this summer. If you have a success story, or would like to discuss challenges within club pathway programs; contact Sarah via sarah.ogilvie@sailing.org.au. 

View Sarah Ogilvie’s Club Conference webinar below by clicking on the below:

Keep an eye out in Club News, for further developments within the Club Pathways space.