DCC’s vision is to become one of the top 10 clubs nationally and top 3 clubs in the SW region judged on growing participation, competitive excellence and a varied development and activity programme that includes all age groups, genders and ability levels.

Ambition 1. Promote and provide facilities for sport and recreational canoeing for the Devizes community

Intent 

• Maximise utilisation of our facilities, balancing member needs with that of the wider community.
• Build on links with local state schools, prioritising Devizes, Market Lavington and Silverwood (Rowdeford Campus) schools serving our community area.
• Seek opportunities to expand and develop on-site and off-site facilities.

Ambition 2. Develop coaches, volunteers and leaders

Intent 

• Develop additional coaching and volunteer capacity to expand our offer to members and the wider community
• Expand and develop our pool of volunteers,
• Develop the skills of our existing coaching team
• Identify and develop the next generation of club coaches

Ambition 3. Provide healthy competitive and recreational opportunities for all abilities and age groups 

Intent 

• Develop our junior and adult programme to widen the range of activities we can offer.
• Strengthen our programme to increase the number and quality of talented paddlers representing the club and achieving GB potential.
• Play a more active role in member lifestyle (and performance) with other activities including ergo training, general conditioning and advice about health, lifestyle, nutrition etc.

Ambition 4: Increase competitive excellence in the two flat water disciplines

Intent 

• Improve representation at regional and national sprint and/or marathon events
• Provide a consistent flow of athletes to BC talent pathways.
• Forge strong connections with a network of like-minded local clubs
• Make our voice heard on regional and national discipline committees.
• Provide a range of competitions in regional, SRC and MRC calendars building on our successful pilot events in 2019.

Ambition 5: Increase participation and engagement

Intent 

• Increase participation by existing members.
• Ensure our facilities are accessible when members want to use them.
• Develop and use effective ways to engage and communicate with club members, former and prospective club members in our community.

Ambition 6: Attract new paddlers to the sport of canoeing

Intent 

• Run regular participation events for young people (schools events, holiday course, try-a-paddle and intro courses).
• Showcase our club offer in the community to attract new members including adults returning to sport.

Ambition 7: Achieve ‘top tier’ club status for a medium-sized club

Intent 

• Achieve BC Quality Club standard by end Q1 2022.
• Offer the highest standards of safety for all members and supporters.
• Provide exemplary welfare and safeguarding standards for young people and vulnerable adults.
• Achieve Talent Club Associate status by the next selection cycle (end 2023).
• Maximise other forms of income (grants, summer camps, regattas, paid-for school programmes and sponsorship).