Over 7,000 young rowers compete in National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships 2025
Held as a hybrid competition from 14-21 March, the event saw more than 200 schools, clubs and organisations take part
Organised by London Youth Rowing (LYR) with the aim to make NJIRC 2025 “the most inclusive and biggest yet”, this year’s competition saw an incredible 7,664 young rowers row 6,134km collectively over the seven day period, marking a new milestone in the event’s history.
The championships saw an impressive turnout, with 209 schools, clubs, and organisations taking part. Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield recorded the largest amount of participants, with the school taking home silver in the Year 11 Boys Individual 6 minutes.
Previously held as an in-person event in London and Leeds, the 2025 championships expanded to a hybrid format, allowing more young people from across the UK to take part. Participants could race both virtually and at ‘Live Hubs’ in Warrington, Leeds, Nottingham, Cornwall, Bristol, London, Kent and the Isle of Wight. The event featured young rowers from Year 7 onwards, with new categories added for 2025, including 18+ students and a 2km Mixed Relay, making the competition more inclusive than ever.
Matt Rostron, CEO of LYR, spoke of the excitement of the event: “We have been absolutely blown away by the enthusiasm and general willingness to give NJIRC a go this year. We know that by running a virtual event so many more young people are able to get involved in what may end up being one of the largest indoor rowing events ever.”
British Rowing’s Head of Community Chris Farrell said, “What a fantastic week it has been working together with LYR and supporting the delivery of NJIRC 2025. My ears are still buzzing from the noise and excitement from being on the race floor this week amongst some of the action. NJIRC is a pivotal event in the rowing calendar and provides a moment for young people across the country to get on a machine and be part of something amazing.”
Three-time Australian Olympic rower and Radnor House School rowing coach Jason Day said, “We always love competing at NJIRC because there is so much excitement for the kids. For a lot of our rowers, it is their first competition ever. The atmosphere here in London is great with all the children encouraging each other. They’ll remember this forever.”
Beyond the championships, British Rowing and LYR aim to connect young rowers with further opportunities, including access to British Rowing’s new school accreditation support, on-water taster sessions, learn-to-row courses, and pathways for identifying emerging talent.
