Love Rowing, the charitable foundation of British Rowing, has announced the launch of Rowing to Success – a transformative five-year programme designed to unlock potential, build confidence, and inspire futures for young people who will benefit most from positive interventions.
Funded by the Westminster Foundation, Rowing to Success is now live and ready to reach more young people in Chester, specifically those with a special educational need or disability (SEND), or from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
“We are delighted to partner with Love Rowing over the next five years to deliver the Rowing to Success programme. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to supporting young people who face significant barriers to opportunity. Through this partnership, rowing offers a meaningful pathway for young people to build confidence, develop resilience, and improve their well being.” –
Caroline Da Cunha, Cheshire Grants Manager
Delivered in partnership with Queens Park Chester Rowing Club, the programme uses rowing, both on and off the water, as a powerful vehicle to reduce health inequalities, improve mental well-being, and raise aspirations.
“Queens Park Chester Rowing Club is delighted to see this programme funded to expand the accessibility for youth rowing in Chester. We are passionate about providing opportunities for young people that are shown to improve their wellbeing, resilience, mental health and outcomes.”
Kayte Parlevliet, Chair of Queens Park Chester Rowing Club.
Rooted in youth work principles, Rowing to Success prioritises empowerment, inclusivity, and positive relationships, supporting young people to develop resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence.
“Rowing to Success is more than just sport,” said Rebecca Gibson, Foundation Director, Love Rowing. “It’s about helping young people discover what they’re capable of, supporting their mental health, and giving them life skills that last well beyond the water.”
Why schools should get involved
The Rowing to Success programme offers a free opportunity for schools to support their students’ mental well-being, life skills, and aspirations through rowing. It aligns with Pupil Premium and SEND strategies, improves attendance and motivation, and provides tailored support to ensure long-term participation.
What pupils can expect
Stage 1: Taster Programme
Indoor rowing and on-the-water sessions introducing pupils to the sport in a fun, confidence-building environment.
Stage 2: Extra-Curricular Activity
Regular indoor rowing clubs at school or transport to local clubs, providing a safe, welcoming space to continue participation.
Stage 3: Personalised Pathways to Long-Term Participation
1:1 support to help pupils continue rowing, including help with kit, membership, and access to local clubs.
Stage 4: Inclusive Events and Ongoing Opportunities
Festivals, holiday programmes, and sessions for young disabled people, ensuring continued engagement and celebration of achievement.
From year three onwards, the programme will expand to include a youth leadership programme for young people in Years 10-12, providing volunteering opportunities and qualifications.
The programme is delivered by two dedicated staff members: a full-time Youth Rowing Coach, Charlie Ford and a part-time Activity Coordinator and Welfare Officer, Orla Holohan, who will work with schools and young people throughout their rowing journey.
About the Partners
The partnership brings together the expertise of Love Rowing, British Rowing’s charitable foundation, the resources of the Westminster Foundation, and the local knowledge and facilities of Queens Park Chester Rowing Club to create sustainable pathways into rowing for young people in Chester.
Love Rowing is the British Rowing’s Charitable Foundation, working to transform lives through the sport by bringing diverse new communities into rowing. The charity is trustee-led and focused on inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment through active participation.
The Westminster Foundation is an independent grant making trust and registered charity, representing the charitable activity of the Duke of Westminster and Grosvenor businesses, that provides long term sustainable help and direction to vulnerable young people. Led by the Duke of Westminster, they are passionately committed to giving young people the attention, care and direction that we should all be able to take for granted. They believe that early positive intervention is critical to set the direction of a healthy, secure and fulfilling life. The Foundation’s funding is focused on creating opportunities for young people (0-25) and their families to have the resilience, skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Through creating these opportunities, they aim to tackle the causes and impact of intergenerational inequality.
Queen’s Park Chester Rowing Club is the local delivery hub for Rowing to Success. Formed initially as Queen’s Park High School Rowing Club (one of the first state school rowing club programmes in England), the club is now a community rowing club with aspirations to support all young people and works co-operatively with all community based rowing clubs in Chester.