Canoe Wales launches new initiative - #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club!

After the success of the first two years of the #ShePaddles Cymru programme, Canoe Wales is excited to be launching the #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club initiative.

We know that #ShePaddles Cymru has had a significant impact on female participation in paddlesports within Wales. This is evidenced by the increase in female members of Canoe Wales which has risen from 28% to 36.5% since the programme first started.

The #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club programme is the next step and is all about supporting, promoting and connecting Canoe Wales affiliated clubs who align with the values of the #ShePaddles Cymru programme and who have female paddlers looking for a community to paddle with. Each club who signs up to the programme will benefit from tailored support from Canoe Wales, including funding to support female-focused activity, visits by Canoe Wales staff and ambassadors, and #ShePaddles branded clothing for club volunteers.

The support comes in three tiers which align to the amount of activity the club runs, meaning there is room for progression as your female-focused club activity develops.

Each club will be given the opportunity to nominate a #ShePaddles Cymru Club Lead who will be the point of contact for any new or existing female member looking for support or information related to the club’s activity. Sessions will be run as to how the club would like to run them. We know that many affiliated clubs run some fantastic female-focused activity so this definitely isn’t about reinventing the wheel.

We’ve been piloting the programme through three clubs already. Here is what some of those clubs had to say about the programme and the impact it has had on their club:

“We’re really excited to be one of the first #ShePaddles Cymru clubs. I’ve “quit” paddling twice so far and heard many similar stories, so I know I’m not alone! My club was a huge support in getting me back on the water, so I’m keen to support other women to either get involved with paddlesports for the first time, or keep up their momentum and confidence if they’ve already got the paddling bug! Increasing the visibility of women in paddlesports is so important and we’ve already seen a boost in interest as a direct result of #ShePaddles.”

Hannah, Llangollen Canoe Club

“I am very excited to be part of the #ShePaddles movement. It is so important to encourage more women and girls into paddling and it is a privilege to be able to share my love for the sport with more female paddlers, new and experienced. I am looking forward to running some sessions in South Wales later this summer!!”

Chloe, Cardiff Canoe Club

Interested?

Here is a summary of the #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club programme and further details on how your club can apply:

What is the aim of this programme?

●      To further connect affiliated clubs with the #ShePaddles Cymru programme

●      To further increase female membership within affiliated clubs

●      Supporting our clubs to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive environments for members

●      To support more females to be volunteers, coaches and leaders

How will it work?

●      Each club to sign up will get tailored support from Canoe Wales

●      The amount of female-focused activity your club runs will determine what tier your club is (Gold, Silver and Bronze)

●      Your club may be able to utilise Canoe Wales funding towards activity to increase the number of female members in your club.

●      Each club will nominate one or two people to be their #ShePaddles Cymru Club Lead/s

●      Your club will receive visits by Canoe Wales representatives to help support sessions and to provide advice and guidance on how to further develop female-focused activity within your club

●      You will receive #ShePaddles Cymru clothing including a branded hoodie (for the Club Lead/s) **and be able to access discounts on further clothing or equipment**

How will Canoe Wales support the #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club Lead?

●      We will be engaging Club Leads through a private Facebook group so they can share best practice and ask others for advice or guidance

●      Our Canoe Wales #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors and Canoe Wales Development Officers will be on hand to support you and answer any questions, and will meet with you during visits

●      Supply you with a branded hoodie you can use for events and sessions so people know who you are

●      We will be here to support you with whatever is needed to make this programme a success

Gold (Available for up to 5 Clubs)

What does the club need to do to qualify?

●      Run weekly female-focused sessions and activity

●      Have at least 2 x female coaches and/or leaders within the club actively running courses and activity

●      Bring a team to the #ShePaddles Cymru Festival and support regional #ShePaddles Cymru events

●      Be active on Facebook on the #ShePaddles Cymru page and the club’s social media promoting female-focused and tailored activity

What will the club get from Canoe Wales?

●      Up to £200 funding to support female-focused activity (*purpose of which to be agreed with Canoe Wales)

●      Visits and support from the Canoe Wales Development Officer and one of the #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors

●      A branded hoodie and discounts on other #ShePaddlesCymru clothing

●      Access to the private #ShePaddles Champion Club Facebook group

●      Use of the #ShePaddles Champion Club logo for the club’s website and promotion highlighting the club’s commitment to female-focused activity and development

Silver (Available for up to 10 Clubs)

What does the club need to do to qualify?

●      Run at least two female-focused sessions a month

●      Have one female coach and/or leader within the club’s membership

●      Support #ShePaddles regional events and activity

●      Be active on Facebook on the #ShePaddles Cymru page and the club’s social media promoting female-focused and tailored activity

What will the club get from Canoe Wales?

●      Up to £100 funding to support female-focused activity (*purpose of which to be agreed with Canoe Wales)

●      Visits and support from the Canoe Wales Development Officer and one of the #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors

●      A branded hoodie and discounts on other #ShePaddlesCymru clothing

●      Access to the private #ShePaddles Champion Club Facebook group

●      Use of the #ShePaddles Champion Club logo for the club’s website and promotion highlighting the club’s commitment to female-focused activity and development

Bronze (Available for unlimited Clubs)

What does the club need to do to qualify?

●      Run at least one female-focused session per month

●      Be active on Facebook on the #ShePaddles Cymru page and the club’s social media promoting female-focused and tailored activity

What will the club get from Canoe Wales?

●      Visits and support from the Development Officer, a #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassador or volunteer

●      A branded hoodie and discounts on other #ShePaddlesCymru clothing

●      Access to the private #ShePaddles Champion Club Facebook group

●      Use of the #ShePaddles Champion Club logo for the club’s website and promotion highlighting the club’s commitment to female-focused activity and development

To find out more about the #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club programme or to apply, please contact your Canoe Wales Development Officer:

Lydia Wilford - lydia.wilford@canoewales.com