South Yorkshire Orienteers
South Yorkshire Orienteers have over 200 members ranging in age from 5 to 85. There is a wide range of ability and experience within the club from beginners to elite orienteers, who represent Great Britain all over the world. We offer a friendly and informal welcome to the sport – supporting adult and junior beginners and more seasoned orienteers alike with coaching and a programme of regular events.
We run 2-3 events of varying type each month:
- Saturday afternoon schools and newcomer series
- Tuesday / Thursday evening event & social series
- Sunday regional and national events (Level C & above)
Some of our newer members have said:
“The great thing about orienteering is that as a family we can all compete at our own level and work on our own goals.”
“One to one support is really nice – you’ve been really encouraging and helpful to us.”
“The children really like the whole club thing – the BBQs, the socials, the club champs, the great club kit and the atmosphere at the big events.”
“I really benefit from the regular coaching sessions.”
The club is one of the most successful in the country. In 2015 we were awarded club of the year by the sport’s National Body for our outstanding contribution to the provision and development of orienteering. We have finished in the top 2 of the CompassSport Cup inter-club competition almost every year since 2008 and have several British Champions amongst our membership. Some of our junior members train with the Yorkshire and Humberside Junior Squad and GB Talent Squad.
More than a dozen members of the club have represented Great Britain in International Competition and some club members have roles at the British Orienteering office near Matlock.
The club provides regular events in the South Yorkshire region and coaching / training sessions, sometimes with the University orienteering club ShUOC. New members are always welcome and enquiries should be addressed to the SYO Membership Secretary. Please feel free to come along and give orienteering a go at one of our events or training sessions (see fixtures page) before joining up.
Many SYO members also train and race with local running clubs particularly Dark Peak Fell Runners and Hallamshire Harriers.