Project Oarsome In Stoke-on-Trent Goes From Strength To Strength 

2004 saw the launch of Project Oarsome a rowing programme developed in Stoke on Trent for young school pupils in the city. The partnership between the Amateur Rowing Association, Staffs University and Stoke on Trent City Council, Sport and Recreation Development Section has become a project in which all those involved should be proud.

The aim of Project Oarsome is to provide young people from local high schools with the opportunity to participate in one of Britain’s most successful and ever growing sport. Pupils are introduced to rowing by the Sport Across Staffordshire Community Rowing Coach Darren “daz” Barton who delivers a number of sessions during curricular time on “Concept Rowing Machines” All pupils who are interested continue their development in the after school clubs based at the high schools. Those pupils keen to develop their skills further progress to rowing on the lake at Trentham Gardens in safety boats, equipment purchased through funding by Sport England.

After a short while a group of these young pupils were rowing crew boats and single boats up and down the lake - the Junior Rowing Team was formed. The team consists of rowers from Trentham and St Peters High School.

Racing under the name of Stoke Schools Rowing Association the Junior Rowing Team accompany the adult section of the newly developed Trentham Boat Club to regattas across the country.

2006 has seen the most successful year yet with the juniors crews competing in regattas and head races over the Midlands and receiving a number of medals on the way. Two junior regattas have been held at Trentham with over 30 pupils from local high schools taking part. The Junior Team also competed at the British Indoor National Rowing Championships and walked away with gold, silver and bronze medals. 

 2007 has started well with the English Indoor Rowing Competition in January and on March 27th over 150 high school pupils from Trentham, St Peters and St Josephs will compete in the City’s Go Row Event at Trentham High School.

For more information on the project please contact:
Hilary Jane Asplin
Aquatic Sports Development Officer
Children and Young Pepoles Services Department
Stoke on Trent City Council
Civic Centre Glebe St
Stoke on Trent
ST 4 1 HH

 

Tel: 01785 236929

Email: hilary.asplin@stoke.gov.uk