Schools celebrate opportunities in watersports

Last week, nine schools celebrated the launch of Watersports Hub Schools at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, attended by British Rowing Chairman Annamarie Phelps.

Watersports Hub Schools is a partnership between the Youth Sport Trust, British Rowing and Canoe England, aiming to raise the profile and participation of watersports among young people.

Each hub school was invited to bring two young people aged 13-16 years old who will become their ambassadors for watersports. These young people have been chosen due to their ability to motivate and inspire their fellow pupils in sport. During the launch they explored how to develop opportunities in watersports in school and the community.

The nine schools have been selected by both National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Youth Sport Trust as the first round of Hub Schools for this year because of their commitment to sport. The schools will learn how to engage young people in watersports and they will be responsible for using the sports to impact on student’s attainment and on whole school improvement.

Ali Oliver, Managing Director, Youth Sport Trust, said:

“We are delighted to be working with British Rowing and Canoe England on this new and innovative project. As well as increasing young people’s access to watersports, it will create a network of schools equipped to work in partnership who can think differently about the wider educational value of watersports.” 

The Watersports Hub Schools are:

  • Wickersley School and Sport College, South Yorkshire
  • Rodillian Academy, West Yorkshire
  • Turnford School, Hertfordshire
  • Rushcliffe School, Nottinghamshire
  • The Regis School, West Sussex
  • Ashton Park School, Bristol
  • Prince William School, Northamptonshire
  • Roseberry School, County Durham
  • Plymstock School, Devon

For more information about the Youth Sport Trust, visit www.youthsporttrust.org.