Trust Champions Crowned at Indoor Rowing Spectacular

Tupton Hall School hosted the huge event which saw 200 students compete in timed races across year groups 7 - 11. Races varied in length from two minutes for Year 7s up to six minutes for Year 11s.

The atmosphere was electric as the first races got underway. Staff coaches and student coxswains crouched with their rowers providing tactical tips and encouragement, while support from the spectator stands was rapturous.

Representatives from British Rowing and London Youth Rowing (LYT) were also in attendance, providing logistical support and manning the digital race leader boards. Virtual boat race visuals projected onto big screens helped competitors and spectators alike keep an eye on race positions.

Adam Douglas, the Trust's Sports Development Officer, organised the event and provided enthusiastic race commentary from the sidelines. He said: "The atmosphere in the rowing arena was incredible as students raced against their peers and cheered-on their teammates from the stands."

"There were some outstanding individual performances, with two students reaching the gold national standard on the day of competition. If these rowers had competed in last year's National Junior Indoor Rowing Competition, they would have won!"

Redhill Academy Trust is investing heavily in rowing across its schools, providing opportunities for young people to have a go, develop their talent and even participate in the sport at a national level. The partnership with London Youth Rowing means the Trust's 10 secondary schools have already had significant investment in equipment and coaching. Each school now boasts 10 Concept2 rowing machines which are being put to good use through high-octane inter-house competitions and co-curricular clubs.

By the summer, Redhill Trust students will be rowing on the water thanks to the provision of a boathouse at Holme Pierrepont, home of the National Water Sports Centre. And the most promising young rowers will have the chance to compete as members of Nottingham Union Rowing Club.

The winners

Back at the Trust Indoor Championships, South Nottinghamshire Academy were crowned the overall champions. The event concluded with a series of energetic team relay races, allowing students to combine their efforts in the pursuit of victory. But the loudest audience participation of the day came when 10 teachers took to the rowers. Supporters screamed from the stands as headteachers and PE staff slogged it out in a nail-biting 2-minute race. Mr Crossley of Hall Park Academy took the win, with all teachers and students having done their schools proud.

Schools are now looking ahead to the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships, which this year is happening virtually. Rowers can enter their best times, hoping to be the fastest in the country. Judging by the talent on display, there is every possibility of a medal!

Follow @RedhillTrustSport on Instagram for regular coverage of Trust-wide sports news and events.