Yorkshire Strategic Plan

The Yorkshire Regional Rowing Council represents the clubs and events within the counties of West, North and South Yorkshire together with the Humber. There are in total 20 clubs in the region. The majority of these are engaged in river rowing but there is a developing interest in both coastal and indoor rowing within the region.

Working in partnership

South Yorkshire Sport and West Yorkshire Sport are key partners for the development of rowing in the areas of Sheffield, Doncaster and Bradford during the duration of the plan. As a region we will also be developing partnership links with North Yorkshire and the clubs situated within York. Clubs are also encouraged, and will be supported, to work with other external bodies to develop opportunities for widening access to the sport, developing recreational rowing and enhancing training opportunities for the region's volunteers.

Regional Priorities

• To ensure the sport in the region provides equal opportunities to participate in rowing regardless of age, gender, disability, faith and ethnic origin.
• Creating the opportunity for those with the desire and talent to join the ARA Performance pathway and achieve success at an appropriate level.
• To value the work of volunteers and provide recognition, support and training for them, in order to ensure continued involvement in the sport and personal development, to benefit the sport.
• To play an active part in developing rowing as part of the broader sporting, health and social agenda allowing for the local communities to gain benefits.

Through these priorities the region can support the 'Yorkshire Plan for Sport' in delivering upon its outcomes to improve levels of performance, the health and wellbeing of the regions population and widening access to the sport.

The region aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in their desire to modernise and improve facilities and equipment. Recent analyses, including the regional SWOT analysis and the ARA Club Survey 2004, have identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:

1. Sheffield Dam Flask reservoir clubs, Doncaster and York City RC need to establish permanent tenure.
2. Leeds is major development opportunity for the region tenure has been established at Roundhay Park but improved facilities are required. There is also the opportunity to introduce rowing on the River Aire close to the city centre.
3. The ARA tour is taking place in North Yorkshire in 2005 and we should be prepared to take advantage of any legacy which emerges.