Mersey Youth Rowing's First Training Workshop with LJMU's Performance Sports Department

LJMU MSc students co-ordinating strength and power tests and training with NLA pupils

The Performance Sports Department welcomed 20 pupils from North Liverpool Academy representing Mersey Youth Rowing this month for the first performance training workshop. Initially developed by Warrington Rowing Club, the programme links several rowing clubs in the Northwest to 35 state schools. The charity is funded primarily by Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust and aims to increase diversity within the sport of rowing, creating experiences to develop rowing talent and valuable life skills. The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences students and staff have been engaged with Warrington Rowing Club and, more recently, the charity programme for 30 years via research, placements and specialist support to its athletes. Mersey Youth Rowing works with over 100 pupils from 7 schools in Merseyside, teaching them to row during their school day.

Supported by the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences strength and conditioning interns, the performance workshop gave the aspiring rowers invaluable insights for elite-level training, a significant step in their athletic development, equipping them with foundational knowledge crucial for their journey in competitive rowing. The youth rowers were coached in rowing technique by Dr Tim Donovan (ex-international rower and coach), nutrition by Professor Graeme Close (England Rugby nutritionist) and Conor Heeney (LJMU Lead Strength and Conditioning coach). The pupils were treated to an insight into what they need to consider in taking their training to the next level.

Richard Sinnott, who leads the Youth Rowing projects, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our young rowers to learn about their sport. They were able to sample university style lectures, at a university and these sessions were delivered by some of the top lecturers within their field. I’m sure we will see these youngsters implementing these new skills when they get to their next training sessions”.

A representative from NLA said, “We had a fantastic time at LJMU, and I would like to thank Dr Timothy Donovan, Professors and coaches for the experience our students got. It was a wonderful day building knowledge of nutrition and exercise for rowing and how to apply techniques and team to give our students that edge in future competition!”

Contact richard@warringtonyouthrowing.org.uk for more information about Youth Rowing projects in the North West.

Click here for more information on the Performance Sport Department.