Junior Academy

Junior Academy 2023-24

Introduction 

The Scottish Rowing Junior Academy exists to support and develop talented junior (J16 - J18) rowers and coxes to reach their potential. Equipping them with the tools to achieve success in rowing both nationally and internationally. It aims to provide education, opportunity and community for athletes, coaches, and parents.

Please see the Recruitment Pack for more information here

 Key Objectives  

1. Building towards being competent and proficient technically, physically and mentally in areas identified as being necessary for national and international rowing. 

2. Developing the performance behaviours associated with sporting success 

3. Provide opportunities for junior coaches to develop their skills, networking with other coaches, and further support their athletes to achieve their goals 

4. Enable and upskill parents/guardians to go on the journey, facilitate success and provide ongoing support to their children 

“I really enjoyed the Scottish Rowing Academy activities this year and believe they have helped prepare me for situations with trialling... Hopefully I will be involved in the Academy for the coming season too.” 

Read about the success of last season's cohort here

 Benefits 

• Provide you with the tools and experiences to help you perform to your potential
• Meet and train with other talented rowers in Scotland
• Learn from and be coached by rowing experts
• Early engagement with sports science support and expert practitioners
• Careers advice and opportunity to speak to university programmes in Scotland 

Camp Dates 

After careful consideration, we have made the decisions to make all camps residentials this year to ensure the athletes get the best experience possible from every camp.

Camp 1 – 30 September - 1 October 2023, Strathclyde Country Park

Camp 2 – 4th – 5th November 2023, Strathclyde Country Park/Auchinstarry Marina* 

Camp 3 – 3rd – 7th January 2024, Oriam @ Heriot Watt University*

Camp 4 – 23rd – 25th February 2024, Caledonian Canal (Inverness)*

Camp 5 – 5th – 7th April 2024, Strathclyde Country Park

*Locations are subject to change. 

Who is involved? 

Led by Scottish Rowing’s Lead Performance Pathway Coach, Tom Young, with support provided by the sportscotland institute of sport, and performance rowing experts.

Investment  

Scottish Rowing subsidises the Junior Academy, however an athlete contribution of £150* is due at registration to cover registration fees and the first camp. 

Due to all camps being residential this year we will require an additional fee to cover accommodation and board for these. Scottish Rowing will make subsidies where possible to keep the price as reasonable as possible and are happy to discuss payment plans.

 *Financial support is available in cases of hardship – please contact Cara O'Donnell for further details.  

Eligibility criteria 

We are looking for up to sixteen rowers (8 females, 8 males) and two coxes, in the J16-18 categories, who demonstrate:

1. Dedication, ambition and drive to improve their rowing/coxing 

2. Aspirations to represent Scotland and/or Great Britain 

3. The following ergometer standards for 2k during the 2021-22 season: Junior Women: 7:50, Junior Men: 6:50** 

Junior rowers/coxes who were part of the 2022-23 cohort may apply again if still eligible.

**if you have not met this target but feel you would like to apply, please do as these will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Selection will be based on the following:

• Water performance 2022-23 season
• Ergometer 2k performance 2022-23 season (coxes exempt)
• Your character (as demonstrated in the application form)

Reserves/Training Partners 

We may select up to six reserves/training partners to be called up on a camp-by-camp basis to support the programme as needed.

Application process 

The application process for the 2023-24 Junior Academy opens on the 16th of August 2023, you can apply here 

Each rower/cox application must be accompanied by a supporting statement from your coach to be considered. This can be accessed here  

The deadline for applications and coach nominations is Thursday 31st of August at 5pm.  Selections will be made the week commencing the 4th of September and invitations will be sent out by Monday 11th of September.

For more information, please contact the Junior Academy Co-Ordinator, Cara O’Donnell, at cara.odonnell@scottish-rowing.org.uk.