The Outdoor Partnership (TOP) was originally set up in Wales in 2005, however thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund the programme has been extended to Northern Ireland and will working closely in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.Our overall vision is to achieve an active, healthy and inclusive society, where outdoor activities provide opportunities through participation, education, volunteering, training and employment which binds local communities, creating sustainable use and understanding of the environment. Ultimately we want to work with local people to take up outdoor activities as a life-long pursuit.
The Outdoor Partnership NI
What sports does The Outdoor Partnership NI support?
Angling, Climbing, Cycling, Open Water Swimming, Orienteering, Paddle Sports (Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP), Rambling, Running – fell/trail, Sailing, Snow Skiing, Walking, Windsurfing.
What support can The Outdoor Partnership NI provide?
Working in partnership with Council, we will provide a range of opportunities to participate in outdoor activities which will improve skills and build confidence leading to new opportunities and healthier lives.
TOP NI will also support local outdoor groups or clubs through a range of club development and coach education programmes.
Full membership to TOP is FREE for 2020/21 (normally £150 per year) and members can enjoy a host of great benefits for your club, coaches and volunteers.
The Outdoor Partnership – a taste of what’s to come in Northern Ireland
Clubs can currently become members of the The Outdoor Partnership for FREE (usually £150) for 2020/21 to access a range of fantastic benefits including:
- Access to National Governing Body Awards and coach mentoring courses at £20 per day.
- Advice and support from our staff team on matters such as volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition, club structure and governance, funding sources and sourcing, etc.
- FREE promotion of your club/group/event on our website, club booklet and social media pages.
- Access to subsidised courses that are delivered online or virtually in areas such as Safeguarding and Mental Health First Aid.
- Access to CPD workshops (e.g. equipment maintenance, child welfare, raising funds) – at a subsidised cost.
- Access to promote your club with local schools.
Continuing your club’s membership is completely voluntary in subsequent years.
For further information please contact:
The Outdoor Partnership – Membership Application Form 2020/21:
Membership 2020 – 2020 form
The Outdoor Partnership Coach Education programme has been launched for 2020/21.
Courses include a range of National Governing Body (NGB) Awards, as well as first aid and safeguarding for £20 per day for club volunteers. For those volunteers that do not have the necessary personal skills required to attend NGB courses, they will be able to access our Mentoring scheme for £20 per day under an experienced coach or instructor.
Orienteering – What next?!
The October Outdoors programme consisted of a weekly course across 3 council areas for the 4 weeks of October – that’s 12 courses! All of these courses plus loads more across Northern Ireland are now available on the NI Orienteering website. Just click the link below to discover where you might explore next! https://www.niorienteering.org.uk/diy-orienteering/
Orienteering Hubs and Clubs
Your local orienteering club is Lagan Valley Orienteers (www.lvo.org.uk). LVO is an active club covering a large geographical area, it also has a number of satellite hubs. The best way to keep in touch with LVO and the hubs is through the LVO website and Facebook – make sure to like and follow the pages. We will continue to follow government guidelines and British Orienteering advice to keep all our activities as safe as possible during these strange times.
- Northern Ireland Orienteering Association https://en-gb.facebook.com/coaching.nioa
- Lagan Valley Orienteers https://www.facebook.com/LVOrienteers/
- Orchard County Orienteers https://en-gb.facebook.com/orchardcountyorienteers/
Orienteering Events
You are welcome to attend any orienteering event advertised. To control numbers at these events in line with government guidelines we ask for pre-registration – this will be explained on the website with the event information. Events will always have a range of courses suitable for all levels. During October Outdoors you have been exploring ‘orange’ courses. You can read more about the colour coding of orienteering courses here – https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/newcomers_guide
If you have any queries regarding Orienteering please do get in touch with Juls Hanvey, NI Orienteering at or 07891 091476.
