Active Thames introduces multi-year funding to boost long-term community impact on the Thames

See the rowing clubs who benefited from last year’s grants!

Active Thames, the community sport and wellbeing programme led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), has awarded over £210,000 to 28 community projects across London, Kent and Essex as the PLA doubles its contribution this year.

Of this, over £110,000 is awarded for delivery this summer, and a further £100,000 marks the start of a major commitment to long-term investment. This will form part of a £300,000 commitment over three years, providing sustained support for key delivery partners.

This new multi-year funding will support Thames-based charities the AHOY Centre, Brentford Community Boat House, Fulham Reach Boat Club, London Youth Rowing and Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre.

This marks a significant evolution in how the programme funds community activity, recognising that longer-term investment enables clubs to plan with confidence, build capacity and deliver deeper, more sustainable impact in their communities.

Active Thames is dedicated to increasing access to physical activity by and on the water, particularly for people who are less likely to be active – including children and young people, people with disabilities and long term health conditions, those from ethnically diverse communities, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Siân Foster, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Port of London Authority, said:

“Over the last five years we have the seen the positive impact Active Thames makes to individuals, clubs and communities, and we’re delighted to announce a significant expansion of the programme.

“This new approach has been shaped by the people we support and was inspired by a young sailor at the AHOY centre, who told us how much they struggled in school but found a sense of belonging and confidence through time on the water. This got us thinking – how can we do more to support organisations delivering lasting change in the communities we serve?

“So, this year we are doubling the PLA’s financial support and making a new commitment to three-year funding agreements. This will help more communities access the river and give organisations the stability to plan and deliver even greater impact.”

This latest round of funding brings the total to over £770,000, supporting 73 organisations since 2021. Active Thames forms part of the PLA’s commitment to the future of the tidal Thames, supporting safe, inclusive access to the water as set out in the long-term plan for the River, Thames Vision 2050.

Rowing’s projects from 2025-2026

Brentford Community Boat House, Hounslow

Brentford Community Boat House will receive £14,277 per year to deliver a structured watersports, education and workforce development programme along the River Thames and local waterways in West London. The project will provide two ten-week progressive watersports programmes alongside ecology sessions, enrichment activities, and an introduction to local river heritage for children and young people from underserved communities. Alongside increasing participation, the programme will support a junior coaching pathway, enabling young people to gain accredited training and leadership experience. The project aims to engage over 50 participants annually, helping to build confidence, environmental awareness, and long-term connections with the river while developing a new generation of local coaches and volunteers.

Fulham Reach Boat Club, Hammersmith and Fulham

An award of £15,000 per year will support Fulham Reach Boat Club to expand its state school rowing programme on the River Thames in Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea. The project will provide regular rowing sessions for young people from underrepresented communities, many of whom would otherwise face barriers to accessing the sport. Alongside increasing participation, the programme will create progression opportunities into volunteering, coaching, and club membership, with participants supported to gain formal coaching qualifications and work experience. Each year, the project is expected to engage around 900 young people across 850 rowing sessions, improving physical and mental wellbeing while creating clearer pathways into long-term participation and employment within the sport.

London Youth Rowing, Gravesham

An award of £20,000 per year will support London Youth Rowing to expand its Active Row Kent programme across Gravesend and the surrounding areas. Building on a successful pilot delivered in partnership with Gravesend Rowing Club and local schools, the project will provide both indoor and on-water rowing opportunities for children and young people across ten schools in Kent. Participants on LYR’s programmes typically begin with indoor rowing before progressing to on-water experiences, and the opportunity to row on the River Thames, use new equipment, and experience a different environment will build confidence and a strong sense of achievement. Young people will be encouraged to join Gravesend Rowing Club, and continue rowing outside of school. Each year, the project is expected to engage 300–400 young people directly, while reaching over 1,500 through curriculum exposure and taster sessions, helping to improve wellbeing, build confidence, and deepen community connections with the river.

Lower Thames Rowing Club, Essex

Lower Thames Rowing Club will receive £4,370 to deliver More Coaches, More Rowing! along the Thames Estuary at Two Tree Island. The project will fund the delivery of a British Rowing coaching course to train four new coaches, increasing the club’s capacity to meet growing demand and expand community access to rowing. As part of the programme, the club will also deliver rowing sessions for a local Sea Scout group, including young people with additional needs and from low-income backgrounds. By strengthening its coaching workforce, the club will be able to offer more taster and learn-to-row sessions, helping more people experience the physical and mental health benefits of rowing in a supportive, community-led environment.

Putney Town Rowing Club, Richmond

Putney Town Rowing Club will receive £5,000 to expand its Learn to Row and development programmes on the Thames. The funding will enable the club to increase its Learn to Row courses from one course per year to three, reaching a wider and more diverse audience, including students from the University of Roehampton and local residents. The project will also support the training of new coaches, helping to sustain and grow the club’s development pathway. By creating more entry points into rowing and strengthening progression opportunities, the programme will support long-term participation, improve fitness and wellbeing, and foster a strong sense of community on the river.