British Rowing launches new indoor programme to introduce school students to rowing

The initiative targets students and staff at Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes, offering their first introduction to the sport in PE lessons and extracurricular activities

Thanks to support from British Rowing, Beacon Academy, based in North East Lincolnshire, was able to invest in 12 new indoor rowing machines, teacher training, and a wide range of learning materials including links to indoor rowing lesson plans. The programme will also help students and staff to be introduced to rowing as a new curriculum sport, as well as engaging in British Rowing’s online school challenges and in-house rowing events.

The academy plans to work towards becoming an accredited British Rowing school, equipping them to establish and offer indoor rowing programmes that will allow thousands of students to experience the sport for the first time. The school will also aim for students to participate in national competitions, including the British Rowing Indoor Championships. Beyond the school’s walls, the programme will create strong connections with local rowing clubs, offering pathways for students to join learn-to-row sessions, as well as access to national and regional hubs that help provide them with long-term development opportunities, such as Talent ID and regional coaching education.

Chris Farrell, Head of Community at British Rowing, shared his enthusiasm for the new programme: “We are really excited to support Beacon Academy in setting up a new indoor rowing programme. We’re always looking at how we can support new opportunities for everyone to take part in rowing, regardless of gender, age, background or ability. Working with like-minded organisations like Beacon Academy will help us open up the sport and get more people active, as well as create a step change in how our sport is seen and accessed.”

Bradley Milne, School Sports Partnership & Community Cohesion Leader at Beacon Academy, said “We’re so excited about our partnership with British Rowing. The equipment, education and support that they’ve provided is nothing short of outstanding and I can’t speak highly enough of the organisation. As both a school and community hub, we’re looking forward to being at the forefront of increasing participation and engagement within indoor rowing in North East Lincolnshire.”

With the support of British Rowing, Beacon Academy is poised to become a new hub for rowing in the region, helping to develop and inspire a new generation of rowers.