In late October, senior lecturer Paul Murgatroyd, travelled with the GB junior orienteering squad to the European Youth Orienteering Championships in Portugal, where he worked in a coaching and sport science support capacity with the team. Focussing on pre-competition preparation, Paul’s role was to assist the athletes in maximising their state of readiness for the weekend’s races, which included two individual events and a relay event for the under 16 and under 18 teams. Working on their physical and psychological warm-up procedures, the experience built on other support work provided at squad camps throughout the year and was a culmination of the athletes’ seasons. Results were positive, with many of the athletes recording top twenty positions against some strong international opposition, and the weekend culminated in a podium placing for the Men’s Under 16 relay team.