Love Rowing Grant Winners Announced!
We are thrilled to announce that four incredible projects have been awarded funding through our annual open grant round! Initially, we hoped to support two or three initiatives, but thanks to the generosity of Alastair Cook’s family, we have been able to fund four life-changing projects.
With 21 applications received, the decision was not easy, but after a thorough selection process, our panel and Board of Trustees have chosen projects that will have a profound impact on making rowing more inclusive and accessible. We can’t wait to work with them over the next year!
Diversify Education & Communities CIC – Inclusive Rowing for All (Nottingham)
Diversify Education & Communities CIC is dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups by tackling barriers related to mental health, financial constraints, and access to sports. Based in one of the top 10% most deprived areas in the UK, the organisation serves over 200 members, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, low-income families, single parents, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.
Their new Inclusive Rowing for All project will introduce Black African and Caribbean communities to rowing through free, beginner-friendly sessions, both on local waterways and indoors. The project will also incorporate cultural activities such as music, storytelling, and Caribbean-inspired refreshments, alongside mindfulness sessions by the water to promote mental well-being. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, the initiative will challenge stereotypes, encourage lifelong participation in rowing, and train community members as rowing leaders to sustain the project in the long term.
Guildford Rowing Club – Accessibility Improvement Initiative
Guildford Rowing Club (GRC) has built a strong reputation for making rowing accessible to all, with inclusivity at the heart of its mission. With over 200 members, including a thriving Adaptive squad (12%), and Junior squad (42%) with half of their juniors from state schools.
Despite their successes, GRC has identified a key barrier: those who rely on wheelchairs or specialist seating often struggle to access rowing. This grant will fund a hoist for their landing stage, making rowing possible for individuals with mobility impairments. This initiative will level the playing field, enabling at least 10 new wheelchair users to access the water, reinforce their “One Club” ethos, and further establish GRC as a centre of excellence for Adaptive rowing.
Bedford Ready to Row – Poynter Charitable Trust
The Poynter Charitable Trust is dedicated to expanding access to rowing for young people. In 2024, the pilot Bedford Ready to Row programme successfully reached over 100 pupils from three state schools, delivering 1,400 rowing sessions. With Love Rowing’s continued support, they plan to:
✅ Engage new cohorts from existing schools and expand to at least one more school.
✅ Introduce earlier water-based sessions to encourage confidence on the water.
✅ Expand mini-regattas and team-based rowing experiences.
This initiative is breaking down barriers for underrepresented communities and challenging the perception of rowing as an elitist sport. Through this programme, students are not only improving their fitness and teamwork but also gaining swimming and life-saving skills—all of which contribute to greater confidence and educational success.
The Gorse Boat Club – The Gorse Academies Trust (Leeds)
The Gorse Academies Trust (GORSE) is transforming the lives of students from some of the most deprived areas in the UK, ensuring socioeconomic background is never a barrier to success. Sport plays a key role in their mission, improving fitness, academic performance, and aspirations.
Currently, every student from Year 7 participates in indoor rowing as part of their PE curriculum and extracurricular activities. With their newly acquired boathouse, and our funding contributing to a new coach they aim to:
✅ Give all students the chance to row on the water, regardless of financial circumstances.
✅ Support students from diverse backgrounds, including disabled students and those from low-income families.
✅ Remove barriers to participation by covering costs for membership, transportation, kit, and competition fees.
Additional Funding Secured!
In addition to our grant, Love Rowing has secured extra funding from the Kitchin Society to part-fund a hoist for the Academy’s four wheelchair users, making water-based rowing truly accessible for all.