Future ForWORD>>
The WORD Leadership Pathway

We are a new generation of leaders. A crew of amazing humans that bring together the stoke of riding and sharing that passion with younger riders. We are kind. We are super fun. We are leaders.

By application only - apply below

Welcome to Future ForWORD>>

Brand new for the 2025/2026 season, we are stoked to introduce Future ForWORD!

This is our Assistant instructor programme, but re-vamped for 2026

Future ForWORD provides hands on leadership skills for 14-16 year olds that are relevant to life, not just riding bikes. Confident, kind, and resilient young people. By focusing on progression through leadership, this is an alternative pathway for young people to continue participating in mountain biking. 

Through a youth centered model, the young leaders gain risk management tools, mountain bike skills, and relationship building knowledge to be excellent role models for younger people at WORD.

This is a FREE volunteer based programme. We provide training, mentorship, and discounts on WORD teen programmes while participants commit to volunteering 1 day/week at the Term Programme with the younger kids. These volunteer hours can also be used as credits for Duke of Edinburgh award or school volunteer hours, yay!

Riders will join the regular teen programme on a Wednesday (girls)/ Thursday (boys) and then team up with a WORD Instructor to assist one day/week.

Future ForWORD leaders must apply through the following process:

  • Job Description here
    To be a WORD Assistant Instructor, you don’t need to be a pro rider, but you do need to be stoked about helping kids enjoy riding just as much as you do.

    Prerequisites:

    • Minimum age 14 years old

    • Current participant in WORD

    • Attend the WORD Assistant Instructor Training Day (November)

    • Current First Aid Certificate (prefered)

    *Check out our buddies at the Peak Safety Outdoor First Aid Course

  • 28 August: Applications close

  • September 1-4: Interviews

  • 6 October: O -Week

The Process

What’s on offer

  • 14 weeks of Assisting over Term 4 2025 and Term 1 2026 (4:30-6:30PM) and school holidays where possible

  • Assistant Instructor training day - Friday 1 November, Matairangi/Mt Vic 4:30-7:30pm

  • Priority booking for camps

  • Opportunity to co-design/organise our annual event ‘Bike a Palooza’

  • Half price term fee for your normal teen programme

  • Mentorship from your Instructor

  • Assistant Instructor T shirt

  • Pathway for leadership/governance - WORD Board Youth Positions (18+)

Future ForWORD Season Cost: FREE - you are giving us your time

Not included: Any additional excursions/costs for trips, 1/2 price teen WORD day (Wednesday/Thursday)

We are a new generation of leaders. A crew of amazing humans that bring together the stoke of riding and sharing that passion with younger riders. We are kind. We are super fun. We are leaders.

Future ForWORD>> together