QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2026 - Magazine - Page 50
ROWING TO SUCCESS
ROWING CLUB NEWS
Celebrating a Year of Confidence & Belonging
A year ago, many of the young people
involved in 8Rowing to Success9 had
never held an oar or stepped inside a
rowing club. Twelve months later, nearly
100 students have discovered a new
sport, grown in confidence and found a
community they are proud to call their
own.
Queen's Park Chester Rowing Club
recently welcomed young people,
families, coaches and club members
together to celebrate the first anniversary
of the programme. Held as part of the
club's family day, the event was a chance
to reflect on an incredible first year and
the positive impact it has had on so many
lives.
Supported by Love Rowing and funded
by the Westminster Foundation, 8Rowing
to Success9 was created to open the
doors of rowing to young people who
may never otherwise have had the
opportunity to experience the sport.
Since its launch, the programme has
engaged almost 100 students from
Queen's Park High School, Blacon High
School, Bishops' High School, Catholic
High School and The Bridge Short Stay
School. For many, stepping into a boat
was a completely new experience. For
some, it was their first experience of
organised sport altogether.
At the heart of the programme is a simple
belief: every young person deserves the
chance to succeed. Through small
groups, personalised support and strong
relationships with coaches and school
staff, participants have been encouraged
to challenge themselves, develop new
skills and discover what they are capable
of achieving.
The results have been remarkable. Many
students have progressed from
introductory sessions to becoming
regular club members, returning not
because they have to, but because they
want to. Along the way they have built
confidence, resilience, friendships and a
genuine sense of belonging.
