JUNIORS
City provides the environment to allow young rowers to fulfil their potentials and realise their ambitions
CCRC has an active junior squad for rowers aged between 12 and 18, with around 70 members. The club aims to introduce rowing to young people and to help them to enjoy and progress in the sport.
We run a progressional junior squad: from Beginners to Performance. Juniors are matched to one of these groups depending on their own ambitions and level of commitment. We aim to take junior athletes from learning basic boat handlings skills and technique, to being able to compete at national competitions against the best athletes in the country.
Rowing can unlock many opportunities for young people. A number of our athletes have received scholarships for renowned schools, while many have continued the sport at university and well into their adult lives.
Coaching & equipment
While coaching and administration of the Junior Squad is volunteer led, we are very lucky that our Junior Performance athletes have access to a dedicated professional lead coach. They also work with our Director of Rowing to help fulfil their rowing ambitions.
Our younger athletes are coached by experienced volunteer coaches, giving them the best possible chance to improve and progress through the Junior Squad.
All of our junior athletes have access to our incredible gym at the City Boathouse, and our Performance athletes use world class equipment to ensure we give them the best possible chance at success.
Get Involved
CCRC’s Junior Squad runs taster days for juniors a few times per year. These days give the potential rower a chance to have a go at all aspects of rowing (indoor rowing, circuit training as well as getting out on to the water) to see whether it is a sport they may enjoy. The days are good fun and open to all.
To be added to the mailing list for taster days, or register interest please fill out the form here:
Pathways & Training
Junior rowing at City is organised into three squads for different performance and experience levels. Beginners typically start in stable coxed quads with a coach on the bank and an experienced junior cox in the boat.
Beginners
Introducing juniors to the sport with a focus on teamwork and water confidence and technical groundwork.
Core Squad
Developing technique, fitness, and racing experience.
Performance Squad
Training at a higher intensity with multiple weekly sessions, erg tests, weights and selection for key events.
Juniors learn to row in sculls (each rower hold two oars, one in each hand) in a variety of boats: from singles (1x), doubles (2x) and quads (4x), and from age 15 upwards will also learn to sweep row (each rower holds a single oar).
All junior rowers are required to become British Rowing members, which ensures insurance cover, access to resources, and eligibility to race.
Many of our juniors continue rowing at university, with some going on to:
• University squads
• GB Rowing Team junior trials
• DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) programmes
Safety & Safeguarding
Running a junior squad of this size is only possible thanks to the hard work of coaches, coordinators, and parents.
The safety and wellbeing of our juniors is paramount.
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All coaches and volunteers adhere to British Rowing safeguarding standards.
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Processes are in place to ensure training, racing, and social activities are safe, inclusive, and enjoyable.
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Key personnel are DBS checked
Additional safety measures and are also in place:
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No Junior is permitted to scull unsupervised at any time of year.
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Various controls on outings are considered, including but not limited to:
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season/water temperature
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time of day
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how busy the river is
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skills of the bank party accompanying the crew.
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Parents can get involved and play a vital role. We ask for help with:
• Bank-partying - cycling alongside crews to ensure safety.
• Fundraising & events - from baking cakes to assisting at our annual Junior Sculling Head
Costs
For up-to-date fees please refer to our main membership page.
Subs and fees are split into a few categories:
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Club membership fees apply to all junior athletes: this can be paid annually or monthly by direct debit
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Once the athlete is ready for Performance Squad there is a supplement to cover additional training sessions and costs
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Race accounts are used to cover race entry fees and costs of boat transport: race accounts need to be kept in credit (link here)
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British Rowing membership is mandatory
Racing
We compete both on the Cam and at events further afield. Juniors race at local head races and regattas as well as larger competitions nationally. Categories are based on age, gender, and boat class.
Key race formats include:
• Head races (timed processional races, usually in winter)
• Regattas (side-by-side sprint races, mainly in summer)
We manage transport of boats via trailers, with parents and volunteers supporting the logistics.
Racing requires City race kit and plenty of extra warm layers! See a suggested race-day kit list here [link coming soon!]
Community & Communication
We believe rowing is as much about community as competition.
We run an annual kick-off meeting each October where parents and athletes meet the coaching team, hear plans for the year, and ask questions.
A helpful glossary of rowing terms to make comms easier can be found here https://www.britishrowing.org/2017/03/a-glossary-of-rowing-lingo/
Sessions are managed with advanced online tools and in-person meetups at the club.
Spond App
All training sessions, sign-ups, and squad communications are managed through Spond.
A forum for parents to ask questions, organise transport, and share information.
Clubroom
Parents are always welcome to wait in the clubhouse during sessions; tea, coffee, and a bar are available.
Key Dates for 2025/26 season:
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Squad Meeting - 8th October 2025
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Junior Sculling Head - March 21st 2026
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Training Camp - 7-10th April 2026
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Bumps – 20-24th July 2026
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Awards Night - TBC October 2026
Kit
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No specific City kit is required for beginners. Just make sure it's not too loose-fitting
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Once juniors start racing, City kit (all-in-ones) is needed. Some loan kit is available.
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Always bring spare kit to water sessions (capsizes can happen!).
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Other essentials: water bottles, layers for cold weather, and sun block and hats for when it’s hot
City merchandise is also available – perfect for Christmas gifts!
