South East (Coast) Strategic Plan

The South East Coastal region comprises clubs in Kent and Sussex. The clubs have a rich history and proud traditions to maintain. The region is also aware that this is only part of the story and that the clubs need to be innovative in order to develop rowing still further.

SECRRC's Forward Plan 2005 to 2009 will build on the success which was achieved over the past five years in the region since the implementation of our first development plan. In the last five years SECRRC has developed from an inactive region to a proactive region increasing membership at its local clubs, increased events/activities for members and increasing ARA membership

Partnerships are crucial to our success and will be at the centre of our strategy, at regional, and local level. Our current partners include Sport England, County Councils, Local Councils, South East (River) Regional Rowing Council, Local Network Fund, local businesses, East Kent Health Promotion Unit, Local Sports Council's, County Sports Partnerships, Coast Amateur Rowing Association, South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA).

We are developing good working relationships with the Kent and Sussex County Sports Partnerships. We are also working with our National ARA office to provide Community Sports Coaches. As the County Sports Partnerships develop their roles, we expect those relationships to become closer and to be most beneficial in bringing rowing to a wider community within the region. We are pleased to be considered a priority sport for Sussex by the Sussex Sports Partnership.

SECRRC through the ARA's club/school link scheme, will help clubs in the region form direct links with local schools in the maintained sector and are currently working to develop links with the local Sports Colleges. These are the hub of a network of schools. By the end of this plan it is hoped that more schools will be offering rowing, both on the water and through Indoor rowing in school through the ongoing development of Project Oarsome and Project Oarsome Xtra, Go-Row, Go-Race and club/school links. We also believe we can have an even wider impact on community health and social arena, by the expansion of an Indoor rowing programme to be delivered through youth and sports clubs and other organisations. The ARA have seen great opportunities for expanding their work with coastal rowing associations and as the only region consisting solely of coastal rowing clubs we wish to be at the centre of these activities and programmes.

The SECRRC aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in the modernisation and improvement of facilities and equipment. Recent analysis has identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:

1. Dover, Eastbourne, Hastings and Shoreham Rowing Clubs need to establish security of tenure.
2. Eastbourne and Shoreham Rowing clubs have also indicated their desire to modernise and/or develop their premises.
3. A key priority in the development strategy of the South East Coast region is the provision of a Water Sports Centre at Dover. This will provide a suitable safe environment to enable sports development to be achieved in the region. A multi sport based family environment will promote both an economy of effort and scale with partners working together towards common sports development goals for the region.