Satellite Clubs celebrates 1000th club

Sport England, London Youth Rowing (LYR) and British Rowing are today celebrating the success of the Satellite Clubs programme with a University Indoor Rowing Challenge in East London.

The event, held at the UEL Sports Dock, will see more than 400 young rowers from LYR’s satellite clubs and hubs project come together to race on indoor rowing machines, as well as receiving guidance from a careers fair being run in conjunction with the event.

A key part of Sport England and British Rowing’s strategy over the next four years, Satellite Clubs aims to establish strong links between community sports clubs and schools and colleges – encouraging young people to stay in sport once they leave school. Since the project’s launch one year ago, 1,181 clubs have now been established, more than a fifth of the overall target of 5000 clubs by 2017.

“To have hit the 1,000 satellite club mark in such a short time and ahead of schedule shows the demand for this new approach to transitioning young people into club sport,” said Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper. “By creating new and appealing opportunities Satellite Clubs is making it easier for young people to get into sport and stay with sport.”

LYR has been tasked with establishing 110 satellite clubs by 2017, linked to one of 11 water sports centres. The clubs will form an important part of British Rowing’s work in East London – identified as a Key Strategic Development Area in the 2013-2017 Whole Sport Plan – and, with 41 clubs already set up, LYR is well on its way to reaching its target.

“British Rowing is delighted to see a significant investment in the Satellite Hubs and Clubs programme,” added Kate Burt, British Rowing CEO. “Over the last two Olympic cycles London Youth Rowing has developed a strong track record of delivery in London, particularly with hard to reach young people. This popular new programme will complement British Rowing’s national programmes which include Indoor Rowing for Young People, School Games and Project Oarsome.  Sport England investment will help to deliver a lasting Legacy following Rowing’s 10 medal success at Eton Dorney during London 2012.”

Find out more about Satellite Clubs at www.sportengland.org/our-work/children-and-young-people/satellite-clubs.