Wessex

The Wessex region represents rowing clubs within Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The majority of these clubs are based along the coastline and a mixture of both coastal and river rowing is undertaken by the clubs. There are 26 clubs in the region, including four school and three university clubs.

This plan is pivotal to continue the growth of the sport in the region. The plan aims to give the national ARA Whole Sport Plan a regional perspective, with aims, objectives and importantly will try to set targets which can be monitored over the next four years and further, allowing the plan to be a working document. Wessex region is one of the most ambitious regions in the country, the key to this ambition is a knowledge that this body can not single-handedly change the sport but it is down to, firstly, the fantastic club and volunteers structure the region has, and secondly partnerships with a range of key agencies. These partnerships are essential to the region, and the region will continue to work closely with as many partners as possible, including Hants and Dorset ARA, the ARA, County Sports Partnerships, Local Authorities, schools, funding agencies, business', as well as many more.

The Wessex RRC is here to support and help develop the clubs, and encourage good, safe and effective guidance. The region's priority will be to promote Clubmark to all clubs with juniors, and to provide training courses and performance pathways for as many coaches and athletes as possible. As a region we will build on Sport England and ARA framework of participation. This will be centred around introducing as many juniors as possible to rowing via the national framework of Go Row and schemes such as Project Oarsome, Project Oarsome Xtra and Community Sport Coach. It will also try to widen opportunities to adults by offering more adult learn to row opportunities. Wessex is a thriving region and our open door policy will continue, most of all clubs still have room for growth, and we will support this development to the best of our ability for all individuals.

Working in Partnership

The Wessex region already has a structure which allows co-ordination with large and small partners very successfully. Partnerships with ARA and Hants and Dorset ARA, have been key throughout the RRC's existence. The Wessex RRC also has links with Local Authorities, County Sports Partnerships, Sport England and Sportscoach UK, however, these links need to be strengthened and used more effectively. The region also sees the need to develop more partnerships links, especially where the body would be able to access funding across the region, therefore greater links are needed with Primary Care Trusts, local trusts, national and regional funding bodies as well as businesses with a local base who may not only wish to help financially but may wish to participate.

The plan gives targets which when implemented and monitored at bi-monthly regional rowing council meetings and at the regional AGM will give the region a developmental legacy. With this plan in place, a framework of development has been set to not only continue the recent growth but also to further expand participation levels for all ages and abilities.

The Wessex region aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in modernising and improving their facilities and equipment.

The region has information on a number of clubs through the ARA club survey and existing ARA files, which highlight tenure and facilities issues and opportunities. The region intends to support and help all its clubs develop in this area in line with regional and national priorities.