Performance Coach Development Programme for Clubs
An exciting programme for clubs looking to develop not only their coaches but their whole performance structure
Credit: James Andrews
What is the Performance Coach Development Programme for Clubs?
The Performance Coach Development Programme for Clubs (PCDP) is British Rowing’s commitment to support the development of performance within a club.
The purpose of the programme is to look at the performance structure within a club as a whole as well as supporting the individuals coaching within it. The aim is to help the club develop their performance athletes and coaches, and to progress through the pathways at National, U19/23, or Senior levels. We are eager to work closely with clubs and coaching teams to bring about greater impact and long-term sustainability.
Who is the Performance Coach Development Programme for Clubs for?
The programme is aimed at clubs that have a desire and a can-do attitude for change and a vision for what their Club Performance Programme would look like in three years’ time; that are inquisitive about addressing performance gaps to support and develop Performance athletes to perform at U19/U23 Trials; and have some aspirational Performance targets and understand how programme developments can be embedded sustainably in the club.
Please note: This programme is only open to clubs affiliated in England.
What can coaches expect on the programme?
The programme runs over one year, starting in November and concluding with a final review at the end of the 12-month period.
The programme consists of face-to-face days and online discussions along with three field-based visits to the club. Access to further development opportunities and resources, in the form of connections with other High Performance networks and expert advice from the GB Rowing support team are included.
Key People
Meet the Key People
Robin Williams MBE |
Robin has over 30 years of wide ranging coaching experience including 11 years at Cambridge University, four years with the men’s lightweight squad and six years with the women’s heavyweight squad including lead coach for the Glover/Stanning W2- at the 2012 and 2016 Games. |
| Peter Sheppard Head Coach – Olympic Pathways  |
Under Peter’s guidance GB’s young rowers have performed consistently on the international stage and provide a significant contribution to the senior team, with a number of rowers aiming to compete at the Olympic Games having developed through the Junior and U23 pathway. |
| Doug MacDonald Coach Developer – Olympic Pathway  |
Doug has worked widely across the UK High Performance system as a performance coach developer, supporting coaches from grassroots all the way through to current Olympic head coaches. Doug works within the Olympic Pathway team, leading on coach development support to British Rowing’s Olympic Pathway coaches. |
- Robin Williams MBE
- Robin has over 30 years of wide ranging coaching experience including 11 years at Cambridge University, four years with the men’s lightweight squad and six years with the women’s heavyweight squad including lead coach for the Glover/Stanning W2- at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
- Peter Sheppard
Head Coach – Olympic Pathways
- Under Peter’s guidance GB’s young rowers have performed consistently on the international stage and provide a significant contribution to the senior team, with a number of rowers aiming to compete at the Olympic Games having developed through the Junior and U23 pathway.
- Doug MacDonald
Coach Developer – Olympic Pathway
- Doug has worked widely across the UK High Performance system as a performance coach developer, supporting coaches from grassroots all the way through to current Olympic head coaches. Doug works within the Olympic Pathway team, leading on coach development support to British Rowing’s Olympic Pathway coaches.
Application process and costs
Clubs are invited to submit an application form.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
For more information regarding this programme please contact the Learning, Education and Development Team on [email protected].
Each successful club will be asked to pay £1,200 per year to support the delivery by experts in performance rowing and coach development.
More information
Performance Coach Development Programme for Clubs Information Booklet