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I’m encouraged by the next step in our journey, a new multi-yearpartnership between LYR and Thames Water.

This is the beginning of a delivery‑led collaborationdesigned to bring the life-changing benefits of sport, mentorship and physicalactivity to more young people across the Thames Valley and beyond.

This partnership is rooted in what matters most to us:transparency, measurable impact, and youth voice. It’s not a branding exercise,it’s not a superficial sponsorship - it’s about delivery, real programmes, realyoung people, real outcomes.

A partnership built on action

Unlike traditional sponsorship models, this is a delivery‑firstpartnership. Thames Water is supporting LYR’s proven programmes, enabling us toreach new communities while staying true to our mission and values.

Together, we’ll be expanding access to structured physicalactivity in schools and on the water, providing wellbeing support, and creatingmeaningful introductions to the world of work. Young people will also haveopportunities to learn about their local river environment and build positiverelationships with the Thames.

Both parties are committed to developing careeropportunities and life skills for young people, one of the advantages ofworking with a huge local employer like Thames Water, who are incrediblydedicated to helping young people into work.

Fundamentally, we’re going to be expanding our Active Rowprogramme, again. Already established across major UK regions including London,Nottingham, Bristol and Leeds, Active Row is heading to the Thames Valleyregion. This collaboration with Thames Water has allowed us to launch ActiveRow Thames Valley, providing opportunities for more young people to be active,build confidence and develop positive relationships with the river.

Stay tuned for further updates on Active Row Thames Valley.

First stop: NJIRC South 2026

I am writing this just days before one of my favouritemoments of the year, the climax of the National Junior Indoor RowingChampionships, NJIRC South.

NJIRC is the world’s largest indoor rowing event for school‑agedyoung people. Every year, thousands of participants take part in either virtualor live options of the event. This year we have done all three and over 1,000young people will arrive at the Copper Box Arena in London ready to testthemselves, cheer for their teams, and take part in something energetic,inclusive and unforgettable.

This year, Thames Water will partner with us for the event,and we’ll be welcoming a group of their employees who are volunteering on theday. Volunteers are the heartbeat of NJIRC, they’re the reason thousands ofyoung people feel supported, celebrated and safe throughout the event. I’mlooking forward to seeing Thames Water’s volunteers experience that energy forthe first time.

They’ll also be supporting our Life Skills Festival, helpingus create even more opportunities for young people to explore new ideas,careers and pathways.

Why Thames Water, and why now?

I know that when people hear water company, especially rightnow, there will be questions. And that’s fair. At LYR, we’ve built our reputation on trust, independence and impact. We would NEVER enter apartnership that compromises that.

Thames Water has explained to us that it is a business intransformation, with new leadership, clear commitments to change, and a genuinedesire to invest in communities.

Their support, throughout this partnership, is whollyfocused on delivery in schools, on the river, and through skills‑buildingopportunities for young people. Both parties have been clear from the outsetthat this partnership is about creating positive futures, not PR gloss.

Importantly, this collaboration does not endorse or commenton Thames Water’s historical operational performance. Those challenges remaintheirs to address and we are aware.

What this partnership does, is create opportunities foryoung people who might otherwise never step on a boat, never join a supportivecommunity, never see pathways into new skills or careers.

That’s where we hold ourselves, and our partners, to thehighest standard.

Looking ahead

Partnerships like this enable us to think bigger, reachfurther and deliver more. But the core of our work doesn’t change. LYR remainsindependent, mission‑driven and committed to amplifying the voices of the youngpeople we serve.

This partnership will help thousands more young people findconfidence, belonging and new opportunities - on and off the water.

I’m excited for what’s ahead, proud of the team who haveshaped this partnership, and grateful to the young people whose enthusiasm andhonesty drive everything we do.

See you at NJIRC South.

Matt Rostron
CEO, London Youth Rowing

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