London Youth Rowing has linked up with the Kickz Arsenal Project to bring indoor rowing to everyone in Hackney – the result of a new co-operation recently agreed with the Metropolitan Police.
The Met has been running Kickz since 2008 and you can find out more about the programme here.
One of the Kickz kids tries her hand at a single scull
Now LYR is able to join the programme, we plan on placing ergo machines with participating youth clubs like the new facilities at Vaine House on the Gascoyne Estate in Homerton.
Tasters
In the meantime we are holding taster sessions at the various youth clubs to try and convince all the Kickz footballers that they REALLY want to be rowers! The first taster session at Morningside Youth Club was a great success and was followed by another session on November 19 at Nesbit House Hall.
We also had a number of youngsters attend our on-water taster at the Lea Rowing Club during half term. This was greeted with so much enthusiasm that some of the younger kids had to be rowed around by the coaches as everyone wanted a turn on the water!
All of the sessions have been well attended by the Met Police in Hackney and they have given some of the older guys a real run for their money on the indoor rowing machines!