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What are Development Events?

The Development Event scheme is an improvement on the one-size fits all approach of the ‘old roadshow’ programme. The Development Event scheme offers members of British Skydiving up to £1500 to support the running of a UK-based event that responds to the needs of those at an early stage of their skydiving journey (A licence and above). This might be in terms of developing skills, developing safety in the sport or developing a sense of community.

For example, a Development Event might bring in coaches in an area that a PTO is otherwise unable to offer, such as canopy training or wingsuiting.  It could be an event that gives jumpers a taste of competition. It could involve organising night jumps or providing a marquee and guest speaker at an event for under-represented group of skydivers. For more examples, take a look below at the Development Events that the Member Development Committee has already supported.

The scheme can be used to cover nominal fees for coaches, judges, cameraflyers, speakers or equivalent, or toward travel, subsistence and accommodation expenses, or things such as hire of equipment. The Development Event support also includes national recognition and promotion for the events, and applicants can request support in other forms too, such as mentorship or advice, or supply of British Skydiving paperwork.

Who can apply?

Any current full member of British Skydiving can apply for support from the Development Event scheme: from our new A licence holders to the long-established coaches and Chief Instructors. Applications can come from an individual, a team, a PTO or an organisation.

How can you apply?

If you have a good idea for an event, just get that idea down on the Development Event Application Form (339) and check that it meets the criteria set out on the Development Event Info. Sheet (341). Then, send the completed form to info@britishskydiving.org.

All applications are forwarded to the Member Development Committee (check dates of MDC meetings and ensure that your application is received at least one week ahead of a meeting).  

The Committee considers each application on its own terms with the aim of using the scheme to support a wide range of initiatives that offer the best value to members. How many events receive support depends on budgetary limits, which are set from June and vary from year to year.

In 2022 the Member Development Committee supported six Development Event applications.

These came from a competitor and a PTO, a coach, an organiser, a PTO, a TEA and an organisation, British University Skydiving. A total of 131 members benefited directly from these, and events such as ‘Coach the Coaches’ means those benefits spread across our wider membership. Through these events we have increased the highly skilled FS coaches available to our members across the UK; helped members progress to larger events and bigger challenges; improved canopy skills and increased in-air safety; helped members try different aspects of the sport; and supported newer jumpers building fundamental skills and finding their feet in the sport.

Planning an Event?

Got an idea but not quite ready to fill in the Application Form?

Use the form below to contact the Member Development Committee’s Development Event contact point Wes Guest to discuss your idea