News

Posted: September 22, 2021

Scottish Rowing is today announcing an exciting new athlete and coach development initiative which aims to support talented junior rowers to reach their potential in the sport.

The Scottish Rowing Junior Academy will provide education, opportunity and community for athletes, coaches and parents, creating pathways for more Scottish rowers to continue in the sport and achieve success nationally and internationally.

The Junior Academy programme has been developed by the Scottish Rowing performance team with input from the sportscotland institute of sport and the GB Rowing Team. Academy athletes will benefit from a camp-based programme delivered between October and May focusing on physical preparation, crew boat skills and performance behaviours.

Additionally, there will be monthly engagement between camps via tailored online workshops and mentoring, and access to a private online community to connect with others on the programme.

Kim Murray, Scottish Rowing Coaching Futures Coach and Junior Academy Co-Ordinator, said:

"The Junior Academy is an exciting new opportunity for young Scottish rowers and I am thrilled to be part of the team who are bringing it to life.  I am looking forward to helping athletes, coaches and parents further understand what it takes to be successful in rowing and equipping them with the tools to aid progression.

Kim Murray, Scottish Rowing Coaching Futures Coach

“The Junior Academy will be a place to engage with performance coaching and support, train and compete alongside similarly talented rowers and take ownership of your development. I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with our first cohort."

Lee Boucher, Scottish Rowing Head of Performance Pathway, said:

“Rowing continues to be one of Scotland’s leading Olympic sports, with a record number of Scots competing at Tokyo 2020, and I am delighted that we are able to invest in the development of the next generation of athletes and coaches through the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy.

“The programme content has been designed to complement and enhance the excellent support provided through our clubs and further strengthens the rowing performance pathway in Scotland.”

The Scotland Rowing Team at the 2019 Home International Regatta at Strathclyde Park

Recognising the crucial role that coaches play within our clubs and their importance to the development of young rowers, the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy programme will also provide opportunities for junior coaches to engage in the process and receive bespoke support.

Andy Barton, Scottish Rowing Workforce Development Manager, said:

“I'm delighted to be involved with the Junior Academy, specifically in supporting the coaches in their ongoing development via the Scottish Rowing Coaching Framework. I'm looking forward to helping coaches to identify their strengths and areas for improvement and then tailor the support and resources available to help them progress.

“The Junior Academy is a great opportunity, not only for talented juniors to progress, but also for coaches to come on the journey too."

Karen Bennett, Two-time Team GB Olympian and Rio 2016 silver medallist, said:

“The Scottish Rowing Junior Academy is a fantastic initiative to support young rowers who have the ambition and drive to progress their rowing. Getting the opportunity to share unique experiences with other athletes and learn from experienced coaches is invaluable as part of the learning journey and is something that I would have really enjoyed being part of.”

To find out more about the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy including details of how to apply please visit the Junior Academy page. Coaches or parents can contact Kim Murray if they have any specific questions. Coaches or parents can contact Kim Murray if they have any specific questions.  Athlete applications close on Tuesday 5 October.

Scottish Rowing Junior Development Programme

Scottish Rowing is also today publishing its calendar of junior performance development activities for the 2021-22 season which are open to both Academy and non-Academy rowers.

After the challenges of delivering group activities during the pandemic we are delighted to announce the return of the hugely popular J16 camp at Inverclyde (3-5 December 2021), the Scottish Argonauts Tideway projects (February / March 2022) and the Henley Women’s Regatta project (May / June 2022). All of these activities will be run in line with any government restrictions in place at the time and will require coach nominations to facilitate invitations.

Further details on any of the Junior Development Programme activities can be obtained by contacting Lee Boucher.