Juniors

About the Junior Squad

We have a growing Juniors squad with a capacity of up to 60 athletes, aged from 14 to 18. The squad has achievements at local and regional races as well as successful appearances at national events. Our coaching team is led by professionals who specialise in working with young people and have British Rowing Level 2 certification. The squad follows a programme designed to develop the juniors' skills, strength and the fitness needed to enjoy rowing and to progress as a rower.

Our athletes can train up to six sessions (including more than four sessions on the water) each week, with regular sessions on core stability, flexibility and ergo training together with weights for the racers groups. We encourage all under 16s to focus on sculling; with some sweep oar opportunities for the 16+ age group.

Each junior progresses at their own rate and has personalised goals, based upon their experience and commitment. We have an ambitious squad with focused and race driven athletes targeting national and regional (J1 and J2) races as well as J3 athletes who prefer committing only to local events, or to developing their skills and rowing socially and that choose not to compete at events.

Next Junior Learn to Row

Our next Junior Learn to Row course will take place 24 - 27 August 2026.

The course will cater for abilities from beginner to improver and will focus on sculling, which is an essential skill for any child wishing to join our Junior Squad.

The format will include warm up and technique coaching in the training room in the boathouse followed by a water session using sculling boats. On days when the weather conditions are not suitable for rowing outside, we will work on technique and general fitness in the training room, or use the rowing tank (at Downing College) if available.

To set expectations, attending the course does not guarantee that the junior rower would be able to join the squad at the end of the course. The coaches would look for the junior rower to demonstrate competence in controlling and steering the boat, and being safe on the water. In addition, the minimum age for joining the squad is 14 years (although we accept learners at age 13 onto the course to allow them to try the sport).

About the course:

- The course will take place over 4 days from Monday 24th August to Thursday 27th August, from 10:00 - 12:00  each day (2 hours daily)

- Cost: £100

- To ensure safety, we start the course with a dedicated coach per boat. This may change during the course as individual rowers become more competent with their boat handling.

The minimum age for attending the course is 13 years old - however we may get in touch to check the suitability of the course for your child if they are under 14

- Your child must be able to swim to safely take part in the course. This includes being able to float unaided for 5 minutes and swim 50m in light clothing.

Please contact juniors@cambridge99.org if you are interested in your child attending. Please include their name, age and if there are any specific learning needs that the coaches should be aware of.

How to join our Junior Squad

• Please contact juniors@cambridge99.org for further information about our squad and upcoming courses.