The RYA has announced that applications for the title of RYA Club of the Year 2011 are now open.

The awards are aimed at recognising and promoting the outstanding achievements of the amazing array of people who work together to create vibrant clubs across the UK and keep our sports alive.

Launched in 2007, the awards look for clubs who are successful at:

Encouraging people to get on the water

Providing a range of quality and safe activities for all

Attracting new club members and volunteers

Engaging with the local community, particularly young people

Demonstrating good governance and club management

Jackie Bennetts, RYA Volunteer Development Officer said: “Being part of Club of the Year is a real opportunity to get your club on the map.

“Since launching the competition five years ago we’ve have some amazing clubs enter, from all across the country, making it very difficult for the awards panel to make a decision when choosing the overall winner. Hopefully the clubs will make it difficult for us to choose a winner again this year.”

Applications will be considered by the RYA Awards Panel from which the top five clubs will receive an Award. Out of the final five clubs an overall winner will be chosen and announced at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2011 in March.

Three clubs will also be put forward to the CCPR ‘Sports Club of the Year’ Award 2011 which has a first prize of £6,000.

For more information and to download the application form, go to www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear .

Closing date for applications is 22nd November 2010.

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