Funding boost for British Rowing clubs

A number of clubs affiliated to British Rowing have received timely boosts in their bids to build on the legacy from London 2012, with the announcement of significant grants from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

Marlow, Minerva Bath, Cantabrigians, Paignton, Bewdley, Putney Town and Gloucester are amongst the Rowing Clubs that have been successful in their recent applications for Sport England funding, receiving sizable awards to put towards equipment and facilities.

Minerva Bath RC – which was also awarded the Bath and North East Somerset Chairman’s award for Sports Club of the year in the past week – has received £50,000 to improve its on-site facilities.

The club has previously operated without even the most basic amenities such as running water, but will now be able to install toilets and showers at their boathouse on the River Avon.

Marlow, whose club house was severely damaged by fire last year, has been awarded £1m to create a new water sports hub on the River Thames. Speaking at the funding announcement on Friday (15th March), Marlow’s President Sir Steve Redgrave said “I am delighted that Sport England is investing £1m of Olympic legacy funding into Marlow Rowing Club. I have fantastic memories of rowing at this club and I hope this investment will inspire a new generation to get on the water – be it in a boat, a canoe or swimming.”

Gloucester RC, meanwhile, tweeted on Monday: “Delighted that @Sport England have granted us £10,000 funding for new equipment to help with the rapid growth of rowing at GRC. Thank you!”

“Our congratulations to the clubs that have recently been awarded Sport England funding,” said British Rowing CEO Kate Burt, who has visited several affiliated clubs in recent months. “A number of other clubs are currently waiting to hear whether have been awarded Sport England funding, and we wish them every success with these applications.

“The efforts of our clubs to constantly grow and evolve is one of the primary reasons that rowing continues to thrive in the UK, and these recent funding awards recognise the sterling work that is being done by clubs and volunteers in our regions.”

The latest round of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities funding opened on Monday 11th March. For more information, visit http://inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org/.