The third edition of the IOF Young Leaders Academy (YLA) took place in mid-July alongside the popular 5 Days Italy orienteering event, bringing together 29 young leaders from 17 different nations. Designed for orienteers aged 16–25, the YLA offers a unique blend of competitive experience, leadership training, and international networking.
Each day, participants competed in the 5 Days Italy races, while also contributing to the event’s organization—taking on various roles to gain practical experience in event management. In the evenings, the group gathered for lectures and workshops focused on developing personal orienteering skills, as well as capabilities in coaching, event planning, and community leadership.
The 2025 Young Leaders Academy began on July 5th. Photos: Annarita Scalzotto
Organized by the International Orienteering Federation’s Global Development Commission, the YLA aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in orienteering by combining sport, education, and cultural exchange. The program continues to grow as a key initiative in strengthening global orienteering and inspiring young talent to contribute beyond the competitive field.
IOF Secretary General Sondre Gullord took part in the opening of YLA 2025.
YLA has its own Instagram-profile, where you can find short interviews and videos from this year’s academy in the 2025 highlights.
In the YLA section on the IOF homepage, you can find reports from the past editions of YLA.