About the club
Although based in Edinburgh, with most members living in the Lothians, there are members from other parts of Scotland and also overseas. The club currently has around 200 members participating and succeeding at all levels of the sport, from local to international events. All athletic abilities are represented, ranging from those who simply enjoy a stroll in the woods with the fun of finding controls on the way, to those who regularly win leagues and trophies and represent Scotland at international events.
ESOC was formed in July 1965, and it was one of the first open orienteering clubs in Scotland. The club is, of course, affiliated to the Scottish Orienteering Association (SOA) and has club membership of British Orienteering, the UK’s national governing body of orienteering.
There is a thriving junior section, ESOKids, with a junior newsletter, and regular junior training events, focussing on fun as well as coaching activities. ESOKids have been successful recently, and some are in the current Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad, representing Scotland at regional and national competitions.
The club organises a variety of orienteering events throughout the year. Typically these include small local events, as well as District and Regional events in a variety of formats e.g. Sprint O, relays, Score events and the ubiquitous cross country events. Every other year ESOC is involved in the very successful Scottish 6-Day Event; the next is centred on Oban in early August 2011.
A pool of experienced members is able to organise, plan and control events as well as map areas and train newcomers. The club is however always looking to expand its skill set and actively encourages all members to get involved which can mean attending courses run by SOA.
Social events are held on the first Monday of each month, usually based at a member’s house. These consist of a light hearted orienteering-related activity followed by refreshments and a chat. Special events are organised from time to time, such as the Hair of the Dog event at New Year, and the Pentland Skyline Run on a midsummer evening; ESOC also stages its own Club Championships event once a year.
Being a member of an orienteering club is not mandatory, but brings many benefits. Membership gives contact to folk who will share their enthusiasm for the sport, their experience, support and guidance as well as the social dimension. Newcomers to orienteering are entitled to a year’s free membership of the SOA, and also a year’s free Local Membership of British Orienteering. All members receive the ESOC newsletter and other publications which will include comprehensive information on future events as well as news and views from far and wide.
For further information, please contact either the club Secretary or the membership Secretary through the contacts page.
Last updated on 04th Nov 09
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