National Junior Rowing Programme

The National Junior Rowing Programme (NJRP) is one of the key elements in the ARA's Whole Sport Plan 2005 - 2009. It is about long-term and sustainable participation, supporting club development, educational achievement and tackling obesity. The scheme contains elements for those who want to:

• Start Rowing - the Go-Row Programme aimed at 11 - 14 year olds
• Stay in Rowing - the Go-Race Programme aimed at 15 - 21 year olds
• Succeed in Rowing - World Class Start

For further information about the structure of the ARA's junior rowing programme see our Whole Sport Plan.

The NJRP has two main access routes into the sport of rowing.

• Dry Start - using indoor rowing machines
• Wet Start - using equipment for water-based activities

The activities are curriculum based, each award is broken down into achievable parts and written in a fully modular form.

Elements of the scheme are designed for young participants, young leaders, coaches, parents and other volunteers. It is financially supported by partners such as Sport England, the DCMS/DfES PE, School Sport and Club Links Progamme, UK Sport and the Henley Stewards Charitable Trust.

Dry and Wet Start certificates can be found in the club management resources section to download.

The ARA is also working with the NSPCC (CPSU), Sports Leaders UK, Active Youth, Youth Sports Trust, Sports Coach UK and other watersports bodies. The aim of this work is to ensure all programmes, policies and procedures remain as up to date as possible.

The ARA is fully committed to the sustainable expansion of rowing which is competing with many other forms of recreation to attract and retain participants. The NJRP will support existing schools and clubs, opening the sport to groups who have not experienced rowing in the past.

This help is co-ordinated through the ARA Coaching and Development Officers plus regional rowing councils. The backup covers the whole country and will include special projects (eg Project Oarsome) and appropriate resources to assist in their implementation and delivery.

Firmly built into the scheme are both Skill and Fitness components. Young people have different abilities and varying time constraints, therefore the structure allows movement through the modules at their own pace. For more information please contact your local CDO. Go to our contacts page.