The fourth Indoor Rowing event took place at Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex on Thursday 12th February. It was the first such event since before the pandemic and the first to bring all three youth rowing programmes – Warrington, Mersey and Northwich – together to participate in the same event on the same day at the same venue.

A total of 280 pupils from 20 schools attended. The races included Year 8 Boys and Girls, Year 9 Boys and Girls and Year 10 Boys racing each other on rowing machines (Ergos). There was also an event for pupils from our SEND schools. School staff, Youth Rowing coaches and volunteers encouraged and cheered on their charges who, though fiercely competitive, had great fun. The biggest cheer of the day was for the adults’ race between school leads, coaches and Trustees.

The event concluded with a series of relay races, which allowed the students to show off the skills they’d acquired throughout the winter whilst training in the Gym. As ever the results of the relays came down to the Formula 1 style change over; these pit stops require students to demonstrate a high level of team work and cooperation.

The event could not have happened without the support of our wonderful team of Trustees and coaches. There were also a large team of volunteers who gave up their time to make the day the great success it was.

Special thanks to Dan Hethering of British Rowing, Birchwood High School for the use of the school Sport’s Hall, LiveWire for the use of the facilities at Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex and St James Wealth Management for their financial assistance.

Our next event is Warrington Youth Rowing Regatta on Wednesday 6th July 2pm to 6pm.