East Midlands Strategic Plan

The East Midlands Region is a compact region with a very long tradition within the sport of rowing. The region encompasses Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and parts of Staffordshire. There are 25 clubs in the region and a number of events. The National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham provides a strong focus for the region and many national and international events are held there. There are three Project Oarsome clubs in the region - Burton Leander, Nottingham Schools Rowing Association and Newark. These have shown how working with partners such as schools can be beneficial to the growth of participation numbers in their clubs. Clubs within the region are being encouraged to link to partners as a source for new participants. This does not necessarily just have to be school, but can include health organisations such as the Primary Care Trust, Local Authority and County Sports Partnerships.

Partnerships

The East Midlands Regional Rowing Council (EMRRC) will work closely with the Regional Sports Councils and Regional Sports Boards to ensure strategies and policies aid the achievement of overall regional objectives and targets. Within the East Midlands the ARA is developing good relationships with the County Sports Partnerships to deliver the Community Sport Coach Scheme. At present there are two full time positions within the region both in Staffordshire . These relationships will continue to develop in order to bring rowing to a wider community within the region. The EMRRC supports the ongoing development of Project Oarsome, Go-Row and Go-Race, school/club links and sees the extension of relationships with schools and Sports Colleges as an important focus within this plan. We have seen the development of the Nottinghamshire Indoor Rowing League and plan to develop this scheme in other counties in the region. We also believe that we can have a wider impact on community health and social welfare through Indoor rowing being delivered through local health facilities, and both private and public health and fitness clubs.

Summary of Regional Priorities:

The East Midlands Region's aim will be to build the capacity of a substantial number of clubs, by supporting them in modernising and improving facilities and equipment, increasing the uptake of training and education, and forming lasting and mutually beneficial links with the local community, schools and universities.  People of all ages are attracted to rowing for its proven health benefits. The EMRRC has identified a number of clubs to develop both recreational and indoor rowing. There are a number of opportunities within the region to enter the Performance Pathway. Selection for the Junior and Senior Inter-regionals is open to all clubs and clubs are encouraged to take part in both. High quality J15/J16 athletes are able to access the regional J16 camp which in turn can lead to selection for the national J16 camp for the top athletes. The EMRRC aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in modernising and improving their facilities and equipment. Recent analysis have identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:

1. Boston RC, Nottingham BC, Nottingham Britannia RC, NCRA, Trent RC, Trentham BC, Nottingham University BC, Nottingham Trent University BC are all seeking security of tenure.
2. Trentham BC, Derby/Derwent and Loughborough University have indicated their wish to develop new facilities to meet the needs of their memberships.
3. There is the potential to re-establish a rowing centre at Gainsborough.