2025 Junior Inter-Area Competition25-26 October, Muiravonside/Barrwood
Several ESOC juniors went to the Junior Inter-Area, an annual competition where juniors from the East area clubs compete against the West and North areas. The competition is held over a weekend, and includes both individual and relay races - it's a great social occasion as well.
Emma Anderson sent this report:
Junior Inter-Area Relays, Saturday 25 October
The relays this year were held in Muiravonside Country Park, near Falkirk. It is a park of mature woodland and an open grassy area, nestled beside the River Avon. The weather was sunny, although for those cheering on their team mates, the grassy hill was quite exposed to a chilly wind. The East area comprises ELO, ESOC, INT, KFO & TAY, and juniors from all these clubs were met by David R to find out their teams. The relay had 3 legs (Orange, Yellow and Light Green) and juniors from all age categories can enter as long as they can navigate round a Yellow course on their own. Teams, however, cannot contain all older juniors, so the older and more experienced juniors are spread over all the teams for fairness. East fielded 3 boys teams, although one had the same runner over 2 legs, and 2 girls teams, one of which was non-competitive due to being too old. Games of Tig and an O-themed Twister appeared to keep juniors amused and to have fun. A mass start meant that the first leg 3 runner to finish would be overall winner. Older juniors took to the commentary, including ESOC's Megan. Post race interviews were held, with difficult questions such as "Are you happy with your sliders or are you going to get some crocs?"
Well done to Peter (ELO), Inis (ELO) and Calum (ESOC) who came 2nd in the boys/open competition.
William (ESOC), Luke (ESOC) and Carl (TAY) were also in the top half, as were Alexis (ESOC), Maria (ESOC) and Lucy (INT) for the girls, with special mention to Luke (M10) and Maria (W12) competing in their first relay.
Results from the relays:
1st West 72
2nd North 60
3rd East 32
Overnight at Stirling Youth Hostel
Following the relays and games, many of the juniors and some parents headed to Stirling. A delicious meal was provided and there was discussion from the SOA with the juniors about how they would like the sport to shape for them. Structured activities, such as origami control making, were on offer, but also plenty of time for the juniors to socialise together. Many of the older juniors stay without a parent, but there are always parents from the organising area designated as in charge.
On Sunday morning, a communal breakfast and then time to prepare a packed lunch from the supplies provided before heading off for the individual races.
Junior Inter-Area Individual, Sunday 26 October
The individual races were held at Barrwood Scout Camp near Denny. There is extensive mature woodland, marshes, cliffs and some more open areas. The weather was cloudy, cooler and a bit drizzly, but there was an indoor barn for shelter with hot drinks provided. The courses were well planned, the longer of which used all areas over the hill. East area had wins on Short Brown (Finn (TAY)), Short Blue (Lucy (INT)) and Orange (Inis (ELO)).
ESOC results, all of whom scored for the East team:
Blue Boys - Calum 4th
Blue Girls - Megan 3rd
Short Blue Girls - Alexis 5th
Light Green Boys - William 5th
Orange Girls - Maria 2nd
Yellow Boys - Luke 4th
Results from the Individual:
1st= West 63
1st= North 63
3rd East 41
Overall Junior Inter-Area results:
1st West 135
2nd North 123
3rd East 73
Well done to all East juniors who took part. They were a small team, but did well.
Thank you to West for hosting the Junior Inter-Areas this year. In 2026 it is East's turn, so we look forward to some new juniors joining us for a fun-filled weekend of orienteering.
There's also a report from the JIA weekend on the Scottish Orienteering website.
Other entries categorised under: Event Reports - Juniors