TWO-time Olympian Alison Young has praised Worcestershire Youth Sailing Association after an accolade for the club.

They are among 15 of the country’s first British Youth Sailing-recognised clubs in a new scheme celebrating excellence in developing future stars.

The initiative sees the Royal Yachting Association working alongside to promote grassroots sailing and support junior and youth competitors as they develop racing skills.

Upton Warren club WYSA has been a breeding ground for young talent over 40 years including Great Britain’s 2016 Laser Radial world champion Young who represented Team GB at the London and Rio Olympics.

Professional Droitwich sailor James Crampton, who worked as part of the SHK Scallywag team in in the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, also came through WYSA.

Current prospects include Bromsgrove’s David Peaty, 15, who travels to his second Topper World Championships in China in August having been part of the national junior squad for the past year.

Katherine Burgess, 14, is impressing after being invited to train with the International Optimist Class Association’s United Kingdom development winter squad.

Young, who grew up in Bewdley and began sailing at Trimpley nearby, said: “It’s great news that WYSA has been recognised by the RYA.

“When I was a youth, being part of the WYSA team presented many challenging opportunities for me to develop as a sailor.

“I have many positive memories of training at Upton Warren and competing at regattas with the team which definitely encouraged me to keep working hard and provided a valuable stepping stone towards higher goals.”

Club chairman Vivien Brookes said: “I’m very proud of and pleased for our volunteers, ranging from those who have been giving their time for over 20 years to newer instructors who were previously members of our team.

“They all work extremely hard to offer a range of opportunities for young people to train and race.

“Within the Midlands we’re one of the smaller clubs sailing on one of the smallest pieces of water so this accolade gives WYSA real credibility and recognition for what it’s achieved in progressing sailors through to a higher level.

“Sailing is great for the mind and body in so many ways. The physical fitness benefits are obvious but less obvious are the life skills that come through improved communication, organisation and concentration and the mental wellbeing and lower stress levels that come from being active outdoors.

“These are arguably even more important for young people growing up today in an increasingly stressful world.”

Last September, Peaty, Burgess, Alice and Emily Russell and Ella and David Spain did the 2017 RYA Zone Championships.

The performances of Alice Russell and Ella Spain earned them RYA Midlands Topper zone squad places.

To find out more about the club and scheme, visit wysa.club or rya.org.uk/racing/youth-junior.