RYA Launches Futures Lab to Empower Young Voices on the Water

by RYA 27 Nov 09:06 PST

Futures Lab © RYA

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is launching Futures Lab - a brand-new project built with young people, for young people.

Right now, the number of young people getting into sailing isn't growing - and the RYA want to change that. The world's moving fast... sport is evolving and barriers to participation from access or cost to competing life priorities are ever present.

That's why the RYA is forming the Futures Lab, bringing a group of passionate 16-25-year-olds into the heart of the organisation, to help shape the future of sailing and outdoor adventure.

Rather than making assumptions about what young people want, Futures Lab will provide a platform for their ideas and experiences to guide meaningful change.

Recruitment is now open for Futures Lab Members — young individuals who care about the outdoors, want to make a difference, and are ready to challenge the status quo. Sailing expertise isn't required; what matters is a commitment to fairness, inclusion, and creating a sport that's accessible and exciting for everyone.

What members of the Futures Lab will gain

Volunteering as part of Futures Lab offers young people a meaningful opportunity to influence the work of the RYA and the future of sailing, making a lasting impact on the sport.

Members will receive free leadership training through Unloc, an education nonprofit that empowers young changemakers across the UK. This includes access to a bespoke leadership academy featuring a hands-on residential experience — both on and off the water — and a dynamic leadership bootcamp designed to build confidence and practical skills.

Participants will also join a growing network of inspiring young people from across the UK, united by a shared passion for making a difference. Additional opportunities to connect with professionals across the sporting world will be available throughout the programme.

Additional Future's Lab benefits:

Development of key skills in teamwork, communication, planning, and problem-solving
Exploration of topics such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding, and Sustainability
Connection with industry professionals and a network of like-minded peers
Complimentary RYA membership for each year of involvement
Eligibility for travel expense reimbursement for official events
Access to references of support for future education, employment, or volunteering
How it works

As the national governing body for sailing and windsurfing, the RYA represents a community of over 100,000 members, working with over 24,000 instructors, 250,000 volunteers and more than 2,000 Recognised Training Centres.

Futures Lab Members will contribute directly to new and ongoing RYA initiatives, helping to shape national events, youth training programmes, and wider strategic decisions. Their input will ensure that future developments reflect the needs and aspirations of their generation.

Members will take part in bi-monthly online 'labs' focused on identifying challenges and co-creating solutions through workshop-style sessions and there will also be opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year.

Building on progress

The Future's Lab is part of the RYA's ongoing Reflections on Water campaign — connecting voices nationwide to drive real change. Guided by the RYA's Together on Water strategy (launched in 2023), it is a milestone moment linking to the national governing bodies soon to be released Diversity & Inclusion Action plan.

The creation of the Future's Lab has been in development for two years with young voices engaged in the creation of the project to ensure it will be valuable, relevant and engaging for all those involved.

One such voice was Ellia Rhodes (21), from Greater Manchester and Chair of the new Futures Lab stating, "Sailing is such a large part of my life, and I got involved in the programme because it was important to me that I help ensure there were opportunities for young people to have a positive impact in what we all love. For those considering joining the Futures Lab, I would say it's a great opportunity to contribute to the sport in a welcoming place of likeminded people who are all passionate about wanting to make a difference in an ever-changing sport.".

"The Futures Lab is an important step forward for the RYA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the next generation. We want young people to thrive on and off the water, and this initiative is about giving them the skills, confidence, and opportunities to use their voices to shape what they love. We can't wait to get them involved in the upcoming work, and I'm sure the programme will deliver exciting developments for years to come." - Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO.

"We're beyond thrilled to be working with the RYA on the Futures Lab. Together we're breaking down the barriers which convince some people that they can't be a part of boating or that it's only for a select few. Futures Lab members can also get involved with such a wide range of outdoor activities on the water, as well as getting a taste for the many types of careers and opportunities that this industry offers. We can't wait to dive on in and get started on this exciting project!" - Unloc's Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Hayden Taylor

For Future Lab ambassadors, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of sailing and help foster a community with the next generation at the heart of the conversation.