SouthWestern Orienteering Association

Great Britain

 SWJS Logo
Choose a link

The South West Junior Orienteering Squad

Newsletters online

What is the squad, and what does it do?

The South-West Junior Squad comprises a group of juniors and coaches/adult helpers from all around the SWOA area. Throughout the year we hold a number of training days in various parts of the region. Activities at these days are varied, and each aims to work on improving a different orienteering skill. Generally, each day finishes with a fun exercise or relay. These days are often hosted by a SWOA club, with the squad invited to attend. Sometimes we will combine a training day with an event on the Sunday, and stay overnight in a local village hall. When this happens, it has now become common practice to visit the local swimming pool on Saturday evenings to relax and have a shower. Depending upon timings and locations, we try to make the 'fun session' at the pool. Training days or weekends usually cost in the region of £5 each - or £10 each if an over night stay is required.

To view photos taken during a training session select "SWJS Photos" using the drop down menu above.

So, why do we do this?

The year is planned around competing in the Junior Inter-regional Championships. These are held each June, and rotate between the 12 BOF regions. In the past, the squad has won this event. As well as this, the squad competes in the Dorset Coast Path Relay, which is held annually. The squad also acts as a link for juniors to progress into the World Class Start Programme, and into the National Orienteering Squad.

Despite this, the most important point is that we enjoy the orienteering, while making friends with similar interests.

Who can come?

In short, ANYONE! So long as you are a 1st year M/W 14 or above (younger permitted with parents, or responsible older brother / sister, present), belong to a SWOA club, and can successfully complete an Orange course.

We also rely on the support of parents and other adults to help in various ways at weekends (from help with transport to control hanging) - so we welcome any volunteers in this category.

For more information:

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in joining the South West Junior Squad and would like more information, or to be put on our e-mailing list, please contact: or