Exciting New Partnership to Make Rowing More Accessible to Young People in Nottingham

Mar 10, 2025 | News

The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park is proud to announce a new partnership with the charity London Youth Rowing (LYR) to offer rowing opportunities to young people who may not otherwise have the chance to experience the sport.

A Step Toward Inclusivity in Rowing

Our partnership, which involves Nottingham and Union Rowing Club, the Redhill Academies Trust, and local schools across Nottingham, aims to widen participation in rowing, a sport often seen as elitist.

LYR is committed to breaking down this misconception by making the sport accessible to people from all backgrounds. By introducing rowing to students from diverse schools and community groups, the partnership not only makes the sport more inclusive, but also helps young people develop essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving.

Empowering Young People Through Rowing

For LYR, this partnership represents a significant opportunity for the young people they work with. Ben Cox, LYR’s Regional Development Director, shared his excitement:

“Having a space at such an iconic rowing venue is an incredible opportunity for the young people we work with. This partnership with the National Water Sports Centre, alongside Redhill Academies Trust and Nottingham and Union Rowing Club, allows us to break down barriers and make rowing more accessible to those who might never have considered it."

Growing Access and Opportunities in Nottingham

The initiative currently involves 11 schools in the Active Row Nottingham programme and 10 academies in the Redhill Academies Trust programme, with two more academies transitioning this year.

This collaboration is a key step in creating a more inclusive and accessible future for rowing in Nottingham and beyond. By providing access to top-tier facilities and experienced coaches, we are working with LYR and their partners to inspire the next generation of rowers together. 

Are you interested?

Any schools and community groups interested in taking part in this initiative can find out more at 
London Youth Rowing or reach out to them at info@londonyouthrowing.com.