News

Posted: 12 August 2022 

Scottish Rowing is today opening applications for the 2022-23 Junior Academy programme, which aims to support talented junior rowers to reach their potential in the sport. We were delighted that last season saw a record number of Scots selected for GB U19 teams, seven of whom were part of the inaugural Academy programme. 

The second edition of the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy will provide education, opportunity and community for athletes (targeted at J16-18 age groups), 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 April focusing on physical preparation, crew boat skills and performance behaviours. 

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

“The first edition of the Academy was well received by our junior community, with 100% of survey respondents saying their rowing performance had benefitted and they’d recommend the programme to junior club mates. This year, we’re excited to offer a programme that better compliments existing commitments yet retains the value of coming together as a group to train and learn from guest coaches and experts.”

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

“Scottish Rowing is delighted to be supporting the second cohort of the Junior Academy programme. The Junior Academy brings together many of our leading athletes from across Scotland and helped support a record number of Scottish rowers on Great Britain teams in 2022. I look forward to working with our coaching team to support the next generation through the programme over the coming months.”

Lewis McCue, University of Edinburgh Performance Coach, said:

“The Scottish Rowing Junior Academy programme provides a fantastic opportunity for junior rowers to develop physically, technically and tactically. The programme brings together some of Scotland’s most promising athletes in the same place and exposing them to world class practitioners and support staff will only enhance their knowledge. This is the first step in the performance pathway which we aim to continue as they enter their first year of university.”

Sarah Happs, 2021-22 Junior Academy athlete and 2022 junior women’s eight Coupe de la Jeunesse gold medallist, said:

“I learnt a lot from the coaches that helped. Not just rowing itself but the importance of physical preparation and performance behaviours. Having a better understanding of these has helped me at races and trials throughout the year! It has also been great to train alongside others from different clubs and meet some new people!”

Miriam and David Newton, parents of Amy Newton, 2021-22 Junior Academy athlete and 2022 junior women’s four U19 World Championship 6th place finisher, said: 

“The Junior Academy programme was really well thought through.... It was delivered by a highly expert, multi-disciplinary professional team who were very engaging with the athletes.  Individuals had to create ambitious personal plans to stretch and develop themselves to their next level. Amy really enjoyed training with others, out with her normal crew as well as learning and improving technically in her rowing. It was also highly successful in building a positive team spirit where the athletes could learn from and support each other and develop new friendships. Communication was brilliant and the webinars for parents were highly informative and helpful.

Our words of advice? If you child gets selected for this programme jump at it! The best 6 weekends your child will have in a unique rowing environment at junior level.”

Scottish Rowing Junior Academy 

To find out more about the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy including the required commitment and details of how to apply please click here.  Junior rowers/coxes who were part of the 2021-22 cohort may apply again if still eligible. Coaches or parents can contact Kim Murray if they have any specific questions.

Applications close on Sunday 28th August at 5pm and should be accompanied by a coach nomination.