B-ROW create historic inaugural schools regatta in Birmingham

B-ROW: Youth Rowing in Birmingham created history last Monday, hosting its first ever Schools water regatta at Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham. 

The event highlighted the great work that B-ROW has been undertaking over the past year within the city of Birmingham. The group is heavily involved in supporting and delivering indoor and outdoor rowing opportunities working alongside British Rowing. B-ROW has engaged with over 1,500 young participants from schools, colleges, universities and community groups since it started in 2013. Chris Farrell (British Rowing Strategic Area Project Officer) stated that

“This is a fantastic achievement in such a small space of time. The group works hard to offer local organisations a chance to come and get involved in rowing and the results have been highlighted by the fantastic regatta taking place last Monday.”

The schools regatta was very well organised by B-Row Head Coach Hannah Read and hosted seven schools. The schools included Windsor High School, Sutton Girls, Perry Beeches, Langley School, Shenley Academy, Lordswood Girls and Colmers School. Each school undertook a Learn to Row programme and several water sessions before the event. The schools also set-up their own school satellite club to provide an route for young participants to get involved, which included offering regular water access at Birmingham Rowing Club, Bartley Reservoir and Sutton Park.

The regatta event involved Year 7 to Year 11 pupils (aged 11-16). Each school raced individually in exciting side on side sprint races followed by a skills and drills challenge finishing up with a very competitive relay racing. Over 50 participants took to the water, showcasing some very fierce but friendly on-water competition. 

Amanda Uffindal, (Lordswood Girls Teacher) showed her appreciation for the B-ROW Schools Regatta. “It was a great event and the girls really enjoyed it! Thank you for inviting us!”

Hannah Read (B-ROW head coach) expressed “A big thanks goes to Sport Birmingham who helped sponsor the event as part of their satellite club developments in the city. I would like to thank the schools and participants for taking part and Birmingham Rowing Club volunteers, University of Birmingham, British Rowing and B-ROW committee members for their support on the day. The event will be back next year, bigger and even better. “

The event highlights the great work that B-ROW has been undertaking over the past year within Birmingham. 

Youth Rowing is certainly on the up in the UK’s second big city.