NWANA Communities
NWANA is building a community structure across North America to help people find where they belong in Nordic Walking close to where they live.
Right now, this is one of the most important parts of our work. Before the sport can grow at scale, people need local access, trained leaders, and a clear way to begin.
Our goal is to create a real pathway from local participation to athlete development, NW Group formation, competition, licensing, and long-term sport growth.
Find an NW Group Near You
To find your local NW Group, click your country first, then your state, county, and city or town to reach the club closest to you.
1. click your country
2. click your state
3. click your county
4. click your city or town
If you do not yet see your local NW Group, you can still apply at any level, from NWANA Main Division to your country, state, county, and local area.
If you do not yet see a club on your territory, please submit an application and NWANA will help prioritize development in your area.
Why Communities Matter
After media coverage and public interest, the most common question people ask is simple: where is a group near me?
That question shapes the current stage of development for Nordic Walking in North America. Communities are the place where people can begin, train regularly, stay involved, and grow into different roles within the sport.
Communities are not separate from competition. They are the foundation that makes future nw Groups, athletes, judges, coaches, events, and rankings possible.
Community Structure Across North America
NWANA uses a simple territorial structure to help people understand how communities are organized across North America.
This structure also helps partners, supporters, and future sponsors understand how local development connects to the larger NWANA system.
NWANA MAIN DIVISION
The top-level NWANA structure connecting all participating countries across North America.
DIVISIONS
Countries within the NWANA system. Start here by selecting your country.
CONFERENCES
States within each country, helping organize the next territorial level.
SERIES
Counties within each state, connecting regional structure to local communities.
NW GROUPS
Cities and towns where people find their local club, join activities, and begin participating.
Who Belongs In A NWANA Community
ATHLETES
People who want to train, improve, and eventually compete.
INSTRUCTORS
Leaders who teach Nordic Walking correctly and help people begin safely.
COACHES
People who help athletes progress toward stronger performance.
JUDGES
Officials who help preserve standards and support fair competition.
COMMUNITY LEADERS
Organizers who help establish and sustain local groups.
STAFF
People who support administration, coordination, communication, and operations.
VOLUNTEERS
Supporters who help local activities, events, and community development.
FUTURE NW GROUPS
As communities grow stronger, they can develop into sustainable NW Groups and formal sport structures.
How Communities Grow
1. TRAIN LEADERS
Prepare instructors, coaches, judges, and organizers through Academy NWANA.
2. START LOCAL GROUPS
Create places where people can begin in their own city or region.
3. BUILD REGULAR ACTIVITY
Develop stable participation, visibility, and local momentum.
4. FORM NW GROUPS
Strengthen successful communities into long-term NW Group structures.
5. DEVELOP ATHLETES
Create the pathway from participation to performance and competition.
6. SUPPORT EVENTS
Expand local, regional, and future sanctioned competitions on a real foundation.
Current Stage Of Development
Many NWANA communities are still in the early formation stage. In some areas, the first step may be finding one trained leader. In others, it may be building a regular local group or preparing the next generation of athletes and officials.
This is normal for a developing sport. The important thing is that the structure is clear and the pathway is real.
NWANA is building the sport in the right order: people first, communities second, competition growth next.
How To Join Or Start A Community
PARTNER WITH NWANA
Help support local and continental development through sponsorship and partnership.
Learn MoreCONTACT US
If you want to start or lead a community in your area, reach out and begin the process with NWANA.
Contact NWANA