LVO Running Wild: Building Family Engagement and Junior Success
Credit: George Savell
The “Running Wild” initiative, supported by an Orienteering Foundation grant to Lagan Valley Orienteers (LVO), has transformed junior and family participation in Northern Ireland orienteering. Over its first year, the project has delivered impressive membership growth, deeper family involvement, and a pipeline of juniors progressing to competitive levels.
The Orienteering Foundation’s grant to Lagan Valley Orienteers for a dedicated Junior and Families Officer (original award details) has enabled the launch and success of the “Running Wild” programme. Designed to attract new families and juniors to orienteering, Running Wild has become a model for sustainable club growth and community building.
Key Successes
- Seamless Pathway to Membership: Running Wild integrated with existing club activities, making it easy for newcomers to transition into full LVO membership. Clear, cost-effective membership offers encouraged families to join after just a few sessions.
- Active Family Engagement: Parents are required to attend sessions, fostering a culture of support and understanding. This approach has led to higher retention and more parents volunteering or participating themselves.
- Social Community Building: Monthly sessions in Tollymore Forest, consistent coaching, and post-event social time have created a welcoming environment that encourages repeat attendance and club loyalty.
- Competitive Development: The programme emphasizes orienteering as a competitive sport, with tailored coaching for different age groups. Several juniors have progressed to regional and national competitions, and Running Wild has become a feeder for the Northern Ireland Orienteering Association (NIOA) Junior Squad.
- Efficient Use of Resources: Volunteer involvement exceeded expectations, allowing the project to deliver results while spending only 55% of its budget.
Lessons Learned
- Family involvement is essential for junior retention and progression.
- Segmenting coaching by age builds confidence and peer bonds.
- Communication tools like WhatsApp groups are invaluable for onboarding and supporting new members.
- Selling the club’s community and culture is more effective than promoting the sport alone.
- Smaller, engaged groups yield better outcomes than larger, less connected ones.
Looking Ahead
LVO plans to further integrate Running Wild families into club events, launch an intensive coaching course for aspiring juniors, and conduct a strategic review after two years to assess long-term impact.
Read the full report
Download the Running Wild Report and also see the Running Wild website.
Photos courtesy of George Savell.