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 there providing logistical support, manning the digital race leader boards and talent spotting. Virtual boat race visuals projected onto big screens helped competitors and spectators alike keep an eye on race positions.

Chris McManus, Head Coach for Redhill Rowing Academy, said: "There was some great talent on display. We had talent spotters from British Rowing in the room and I know they were impressed with what they saw."

"To the athletes who raced – whether you came 1st or 20th – be proud!  You represented your school as the best rowers and committed to rowing as hard as you could. To the staff who supported the event, a huge thank you for the time spent preparing the students and supporting them on the day."

"Later in the year we'll be rowing on the water, so we hope to keep seeing today's rowers at their school rowing clubs. Students who feel inspired and want to have a go can also come along and join in."

Redhill Academy Trust has invested heavily in rowing as one of four 'core sports', providing opportunities for young people across all Trust schools to have a go, develop their talent and even participate in the sport at a national level. A partnership with London Youth Rowing has seen significant investment in equipment and coaching at the Trust's 10 secondary schools. 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.

The provision of a boathouse at Holme Pierrepont, home of the National Water Sports Centre means Redhill Trust students can now row on the water in the warmer months. 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, Tupton Hall School 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 Ridley of Hall Park Academy took the win, with all teachers and students having done their schools proud.

Next stop, Leeds

After a short breather, teams of rowers from each Redhill Trust secondary school are heading to Leeds at the end of February to compete at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC) North. Rowers will compete head-to-head, hoping to be the fastest in the country. Judging by the talent already on display, there is every possibility of a medal!

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Photos: Redhill Trust Indoor Rowing Championships 2026