LYR News

London Youth Rowing (LYR) and Thames Water have announced a new partnership, designed to expand access to the life-changing benefits of rowing, mentorship and physical activity for young people across the Thames Valley and beyond.

The collaboration brings together schools, sport and industry to create meaningful opportunities for young people both in schools and on the water. 

At the foundation of this delivery-led partnership will be the establishment of a new programme, Active Row Thames Valley.

LYR’s Active Row programme, established and delivered across other areas of the country, will be expanded to the Thames Valley region as a result of Thames Water’s support, introducing rowing to young people through a structured pathway. Alongside physical activity, Active Row supports mental and social wellbeing, teamwork and engagement, particularly for young people who may not otherwise access sport.

The multi-year partnership is designed to enable LYR and Thames Water to work together across major moments and a new delivery-led model to ultimately expand access to rowing and youth development programmes across the Thames Valley region. Designed with community partners and young people themselves, the new Active Row Thames Valley initiative will provide more opportunities to be active, build confidence and develop positive relationships with the river.

Further details of this Active Row Thames Valley will be announced in due course. 

Unlike traditional sponsorship models, this is a delivery led partnership focused on real change in schools and on the river. Thames Water, a major local employer with deep ties to the region, is supporting LYR’s proven delivery model, while contributing its own commitment to community engagement and responsible water stewardship.

Over time, the partnership will open new pathways for young people to understand the world of work, the essential role Thames Water plays in their communities, and the range of careers available across the organisation as they prepare for the next stages of life. This includes future opportunities for skills development, employability sessions and hands on experiences.

The partnership’s first major moment will take place on Friday 20 March at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as Thames Water joins LYR to help deliver NJIRC South 2026, the world’s largest indoor rowing competition for school aged participants.

Each year, NJIRC (National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships) brings together thousands of young people from across the UK to celebrate teamwork, effort and personal achievement. Volunteers play a vital role in creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

For the first time, Thames Water employees will join the event as volunteers, offering hands-on support and engaging directly with the young people taking part.

Matt Rostron, CEO at London Youth Rowing, said: “LYR has always believed that every young person deserves access to the confidence, resilience and feeling of belonging that rowing can provide — no matter their background. This partnership with Thames Water allows us to reach new communities while staying true to our mission and our values. It is grounded in delivery, transparency and the voices of the young people we serve.”

The collaboration between LYR and Thames Water enables the charity to reach new communities while remaining firmly grounded in its mission: ‘To provide young people with the opportunities, life skills and feelings of belonging that they need, and rowing and paddle sports provides.’

Paul Hampton, Healthy Rivers Community Manager at Thames Water, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with London Youth Rowing to help open doors for young people across the Thames Valley. We know how powerful sport, mentorship and time on the water can be in building confidence and creating new possibilities. By working alongside LYR, we are investing not just in rowing, but in the future of our communities. This partnership enables us to support meaningful, long-term opportunities for young people to thrive, discover new skills, connect with their local environment and enjoy their rivers.”