The Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC) boasts a vibrant junior section, with young members comprising nearly half of the club’s total membership. The club is dedicated to nurturing the skills and enthusiasm of its junior orienteers through a comprehensive program that includes coaching, competitions, and volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering Opportunities
INVOC encourages juniors aged 12 to 25 to engage in volunteering, offering avenues to develop valuable life skills. Volunteering activities include planning events, assisting with car parking, managing start points, collecting controls, and supporting coaching sessions. These contributions can be logged towards the Saltire Award and the High Life Highland (HLH) Leadership Programme, both of which are esteemed programs recognizing youth volunteering in Scotland.
Competitive Opportunities
INVOC juniors have the chance to participate in various team competitions, representing either their schools or the club. Key events include:
- CompassSport Cup: Orienteering’s premier inter-club competition, where juniors are essential team members.
- INVOC Schools League: A summer term competition open to all schools within the INVOC area.
- Scottish Championships: Juniors who can run a yellow course or harder without assistance are encouraged to participate.
- Scottish Schools Championships: Following the INVOC Schools League, this event is held in early June.
- Jamie Stevenson Trophy (JST): An inter-club competition for juniors, emphasizing participation and open to all who can complete a yellow course independently.
- Scottish Inter-Area Relays and Individual: A weekend event in the autumn, combining relays and individual races.
- North Inter-Area Challenge Trophy: Aimed at entry-level orienteers, this competition is a great opportunity for juniors to contribute to the club’s success.
For school-related competitions and junior competitions, please contact at enquiries.invoc@gmail.com or use the contact form.
National and International Representation
Ambitious juniors aiming to represent Scotland or Britain can explore various opportunities detailed in this document. INVOC supports its members in reaching these higher levels of competition.
INVOC is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its junior members, ensuring they have ample opportunities to develop their orienteering skills, engage in meaningful volunteering, and participate in competitive events at all levels.
Badge Scheme
There is a national badge scheme to reward participation and progress:
– Badge Information
– Badge Record Sheets
Coaching and Training
INVOC offers a structured coaching program tailored to various technical difficulties, ensuring that juniors can progress through different skill levels. The progression is designed as follows:
– White (TD1): Beginner
– Yellow (TD2): Advanced Beginner
– Orange (TD3): Intermediate
– Light Green (TD4): Advanced
– Green (TD5): Expert
As juniors advance, they often surpass adult members in skill, highlighting the effectiveness of the program. For more detailed information, please visit the coaching page.
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