More Than Orienteering: IOF Young Leaders Academy (YLA)
6/25/20262 min read
The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is a unique program designed to empower young orienteers from around the world with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to grow the sport in their communities.
By interacting with experienced athletes, coaches, organizers, and fellow participants from around the world, they gain a broader understanding of how orienteering can be developed and sustained in different cultural and geographical contexts.
More than just an educational program, the Young Leaders Academy serves as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, and personal growth. It encourages participants to take initiative, build meaningful connections, and return home with new perspectives and ideas that can positively impact their local orienteering communities.
Over the past three years, YLA has welcomed more than 75 participants from 28 countries, creating a growing network of young leaders who are helping shape the future of orienteering worldwide.
Would you like to learn more about Orienteering?
Write to us: orienteering@nthadventure.com
For more information about the sport visit: www.orienteering.co.in
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Bringing together passionate young leaders aged 16–25, the academy goes beyond competition. The academy encourages participants to understand orienteering from multiple perspectives. Throughout the academy, youth are exposed to various aspects of the sport, including event organization, coaching, mapping, promotion, and community development.
The 2026 edition of the IOF Young Leaders Academy will take place from 27 June to 4 July in Val di Sole, Italy, alongside the renowned 5-Days-O event. This year, 22 young orienteers representing 20 countries will come together for a week of racing, learning, volunteering, collaboration and developing the skills needed to grow the sport in their communities.
