Two Bala Sailing Club volunteers have been honoured for their dedication to inspiring the next generation.

Paul Welsh and Mick Fleming received the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, recognising their contribution as volunteer instructors at Bala Sailing Club.

The awards, given by the sport's governing body in Wales, celebrate individuals and organisations that go beyond the call of duty to support water-based activities.

Nominated by Bala Sailing Club, Mr Welsh and Mr Fleming have been 'vital' to the club's training team.

They have devoted their time to running sessions for school children, youth, and junior members.

Mick Fleming receives his Impact Award at Bala SC  (Image: Jacob Knock)

As Royal Yachting Association (RYA) senior instructors, they have spent the last six years creating relationships with Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn in Bala and the local community, making sailing more accessible.

They initially held after-school sessions on Mondays, later moving to Tuesdays, and have also supported home-schooled pupils, children with complex needs, and young people in foster care.

The club now has a youth squad for the first time in a decade, and their efforts have paved the way for Saturday sessions next season.

These sessions will allow more volunteer instructors to assist, creating a pathway for youngsters at different stages of their sailing journey.

Paul Welsh receives his Impact Award at Bala SC  (Image: Catrin Williams)

Mr Welsh, a retired police officer and higher education lecturer, said: "It’s been great to be able to engage with the school and with local people because the club is now very much a part of the community and it’s just a great place to be."

Mr Fleming, the club’s youth coordinator, said: "When we run Learn to Sail and junior sessions, it provides opportunities for experiencing the sport in a safe environment, and to see their joy at being out there is hugely rewarding.

"We volunteer because it’s fun and we love what we do."

Mark Jones, the club's training principal, said: "This has resulted in membership growth and the club having more local members than it ever has done.

"It has also resulted in the club having a youth squad for the first time in around 10 years."

Bala Sailing Club held an OnBoard Festival at the end of summer for aspiring junior racers from across North Wales and hopes to encourage its own young sailors to participate in more events next year.

Bookings are now open for Learn to Sail courses in 2025.

More information is available on the Bala Sailing Club website.