Summary of Strategic Plan (Northern)

The North region of the ARA is a very large area bounded by the River Tweed in the North, and the River Tees in the South, Brampton in the West and the North Sea to the East. There are thirty-seven rowing clubs within the region with a very wide geographic spread.

To develop the Forward Plan the Northern Regional Rowing Council (NRRC) has conducted a needs assessment for rowing in the form of a SWOT analysis. These priority needs together with proposed actions are set out, under the key themes identified by the ARA's Whole Sport Plan 2005-2009. In summary they are: Clubs and Members: The region aims to increase the capacity of the sport to provide high quality rowing opportunities through well resourced and supported clubs.

• All clubs to have development plans by 2009
• All eligible clubs to achieve clubmark by 2009
• To pilot ARA accreditation schemes for other clubs

Organisational Effectiveness: The region aims to develop a well organised, effective regional structure with robust policies and administration providing strong local leadership.

• Seek a dedicated Coaching and Development Officer for the region
• Undertake structural review of NRRC

Coaching and Technical Education: The region aims to ensure that all participants receive the coaching they need to perform to their optimum level, enjoy their rowing and improve their health. Competition: The region aims to provide an appropriate range of competition to meet the needs of all participants to promote long-term participation in the sport at all levels.

• Establish new senior rowing events eg Three Rivers Championship
• Develop club partnerships based on the three key rivers

Increased Participation through Innovation: The region aims to substantially increase the number of participants by providing new opportunities in rowing both on and off the water.

• Develop recreational rowing opportunities
• Develop community and school based indoor rowing leagues

Young People: To increase the number of young people starting rowing and provide a broad based range of activities to encourage long-term participation in the sport at all levels.

• Develop work with community-based groups and schools within socially disadvantaged areas.

Volunteers: To increase, retain and support volunteers.

• Maximise use of university based volunteer programmes that place students in community settings

Elite Rowing: To assist the regional athletes to reach their full potential

• Establish performance centre in the region linked to Durham University supported by all three river partnerships

Athlete Development: To introduce a model to allow a consistent approach to the development of all athletes

• All clubs to adopt STM by 2009

The NRRC aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in modernising and improving facilities and equipment. Recent analyses, including the ARA Club Survey 2004 and the regional SWOT analysis, have identified a number of development issues and concerns which includes:

1. Ustinov, St Leonards School and Talkin' Tarn tenure of current club sites.
2. The following clubs have indicated the desire to modernise or develop their premises; Chester-le-Street, City of Sunderland, Durham and Tyne (Newcastle).
3. The potential for new rowing sites exist in Cumbria; Brassenthwaite (Keswick) and Windermere, and Thurlesmere.