Bideford Amateur Rowing Club is one of the Clubs selected by The Amateur Rowing Association to deliver Project Oarsome - a scheme which now links 100 state schools with 50 rowing clubs to introduce rowing to young people and to find our future Olympians.

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Project Oarsome is the Amateur Rowing Association's investment in young people, state schools and rowing clubs. Around £2.5 million is being spent providing equipment, personnel, resources and training to give up to 30,000 young people the new opportunity to try out and enjoy rowing under the guidance of qualified coaches.

The aims of this lottery funded project are to provide local partnerships between 100 state schools and 50 ARA affiliated rowing clubs, whilst also providing the structure and resources for the development of volunteers to cope with the additional demand for skilled tuition.

By actively encouraging parents and teachers to become involved in getting these youngsters onto the water - from taking on administrative roles to becoming coaches themselves, the sport is developing into the communities. All the resources provided by the ARA guarantee high standards and ensure that everyone gets the best possible start to provide the best possible results.

Local club/school partnerships receive up to 75% of the costof £50,000 worth of indoor rowing machines, boats, oars and safety equipment. The funding comes from the Lottery and from the Henley Stewards Charitable Trust.

Clubs put up 25% from their own resources and provide 6 coaches to the schools. Most achieve this with the assistance of their ARA Coaching and Development Officers.

Many young people who are less able at the standard school sports have been introduced to rowing and through this have discovered their worth, not only improving their confidence as athletes but also in the classroom. In one example an individual's written work improved through the self-belief they developed from taking part in a new sport, requiring different skills to those used in recognised ball-sports.

The clubs and schools also benefit from improved media coverage as the programme provides them with rowing ambassadors from our successful GB squad, who will visit the school and interact with the youngsters.

Project oarsome - some FAQs.

What is Project Oarsome?

It is a national scheme, devised and co-ordinated by the ARA, to provide a structured programme to introduce rowing into selected state schools, through partnership with established Rowing clubs. The scheme has considerable finanacial support from the National Lottery and Henley Stewards Charitable Trust.

Who are our school partners in Project Oarsome?

Bideford College, Bideford. Because of the small local population compared to many other areas we only one State School which qualifies for the scheme. So, we have been able to proceed on the basis of taking twice as many pupils (boys and girls) from the one school.

What actually happens?

Indoor rowing machines are provided to the school. Staff and pupils are trained in their use and the participants then undertake the “Dry Start” Junior Rowing programme. This involves learning about the machines (known as Ergos), how to use them and undertaking age related “Target Tests”.

School staff also receive ARA Instructor Award Training in order to be able to supervise on water activities. Following completion of this they come down to the club, initially at the end of the school day, to begin the 6 session “Wet Start” programme – in this they are introduced to the various types of boat and taught how to scull via a progressive skills learning programme.

What are we as members of The Reds expected to do?

We must have at least 6 qualified coaches willing to help run the scheme. This is the minimum number to enable the workload to be evenly and fairly shared. There is also a valuable role to be played by all club members is providing general help and support. We are the hosts – our guests, the schools, are the potential future of rowing in general and Bideford ARC in particular.

We need to organise additional training sessions for Junior rowing - Project Oarsome and beyond – for those who wish to do more than their schools can offer and after their sessions have ended.

What are our obligations in terms of cash?

The club has some £12,000 of local funding invested in the scheme. In the event of the scheme not running for the minimum agreed term of 7 years this money is forfeit and the equipment must be returned.

What do we get in return in terms of equipment?

The equipment package, which is worth over £50,000 comprises:

2 single sculls, 2 double sculls, 2 quadruple sculls (coxed), 16 pairs of sculling blades(macon), Boat trailer, Safety/coaching launch,
Launch rescue pack, 16 buoyancy aids, 6 safety throwbags and 4 Concept 2 indoor rowing machines.

Can BARC members use the equipment when it is not being used by the schools?

Yes – this equipment is available for the club to use, but bear in mind that much of it is only suitable for small juniors, the design weights range from 55kg to 65kg. However, what better incentive to develop our existing and recruit new Juniors than modern kit such as this?

How can I help?

Ideally by putting yourself forward as a qualified coach or committing yourself to obtaining a coaching qualification which you can then use to assist as well as gain invaluable coaching experience. But perhaps most importantly by offering to be available to help when required.

Which other West of England clubs are involved in Project Oarsome?

Dart Totnes ARC and Castle Dore RC

Is Project Oarsome open to private schools?

No, the main principle of the scheme is to bring state schools into the sport in a structured and supported way. However, if we as a club establish links with private schools to promote junior participation, the Project Oarsome equipment can be used by them when it is not in use by those directly involved in the scheme.

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