NSW Junior Development Squad

Juniors who wish to pursue orienteering as a sport are encouraged to join the NSW junior development squad, known as the Bluebottles.

Each year the squad (led by dedicated parents and coaches) puts on several training camps, usually during the school holidays and coinciding with a State League weekend or major carnival.

Young orienteers from other states often join these camps, providing great opportunities for the juniors to expand their friendship networks at the same time as developing their skills.

At the camps, the juniors have an opportunity to train with NSW elites and also receive high level coaching.

What ages are in the junior squad? School Years 6 and above.

What course level do I have to be at? Already doing Moderate or ready to go to Moderate.

What about parents? We love having parents help at our camps, and we encourage them to have a go at the activities as well. 

The training opportunities granted by the squad provide an excellent platform for juniors to develop their skills. Most squad juniors are aiming to make the NSW Schools Team and from there progress into elite level orienteering.

Selection in the NSW Schools Team is based on performances in State League events. Candidates must be orienteering at least at a Moderate level of course difficulty. Minimum fitness requirements also apply.

The junior squad manager is Helen O'Callaghan. Any enquiries regarding the squad should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The squad coach is Vacant.

We thank all the volunteers for the time they spend developing our juniors.