B-ROW – A New Rowing Group for Birmingham

B-ROW: Youth Rowing in Birmingham is one of the newest British Rowing affiliated groups in the city of Birmingham. It has been set up to offer a wider range of rowing participation opportunities, spreading the delivery of indoor and outdoor rowing in local schools, colleges, universities and youth organisations. The group replaces the existing Birmingham Schools Rowing Association as part of British Rowing’s strategic area Whole Sport Plan work in Birmingham. 

Since December 2013, B-ROW has delivered indoor and outdoor rowing to nearly 400 participants. They have also been able to deliver two Learn to Row courses, which included 16 new rowers from the Saheli Group – a local health and fitness group for 13 to 18-year-old Asian women. B-ROW has now developed three satellite indoor rowing clubs in the local area, and is currently supporting a pilot scheme on group indoor rowing in universities.

B-ROW has also supported the running of the recent Birmingham School Games, which attracted 72 male and female 15 and 16-year-old indoor rowers. Thanks to Bear Creek & Edgbaston Watersports Centre, B-ROW is also now supporting a new Learn to Row model and regular rowing camps in conjunction with Birmingham Rowing Club – providing many more opportunities for people wanting to row in Birmingham.

The group is being supported with the help of British Rowing, the University of Birmingham Rowing Club, Birmingham Sport and Physical Activity Partnership (through Sportivate and satellite club funding) and Bear Creek & Edgbaston Water sports Centre. Using this funding, B-ROW has been able to contract a two-year part-time coach – Hannah Read.

Hannah is currently delivering 25½ hours a week of rowing opportunities to local partners in Birmingham. Working in six schools within the inner city and four schools in Sutton Coldfield, she is also working hard with Sport England-funded College Maker James Grinstead at developing rowing opportunities at Bournville College. Another of Hannah’s roles will be to support the University of Birmingham’s rowing team, who are progressing well in their wider participation development. 

“B-ROW is a fantastic new group for the City of Birmingham,” said British Rowing’s Project Officer for Birmingham, “both Hannah and the volunteers of this group are working really hard. They are continuing to work with myself to attract more local establishments and the wider community groups in Birmingham.

“The group is desperate to get more young people participating in rowing in City, especially as there are lots of opportunities including some great transition routes to local clubs such as Birmingham Rowing Club. I am certain that we will continue to see participation success through this group.”

B-ROW is currently planning a launch event to publicise the great work and opportunities available for rowers of all ages and abilities in Birmingham. To keep up to speed with all the latest news from B-ROW, visit www.facebook.com/youthrowinginbirmingham or follow @B_ROW_YouthRow on Twitter.