In a recent regional forum the subject of composite crews was raised as a
topic and identified as a positive step, in appropriate circumstances.( A
number of interested seniors have also raised this a number of times with
me!) The aim being to give the region's talented athletes an opportunity
to train together and compete at national events such as Nat Champs, Henley
Womens, Henley Royal, Tideway Head, Fours Head. This in turn it is hoped
will give the region's juniors a pathway into top class senior rowing and
hopefully retain them in the sport.

The Fours Head, represents the first opportunity to test the concept and
send 'regional' crew(s) to be competetive at a 'national' event.
Would any athlete and coach who would like to be involved in this event
please register their interest with Wade Hall-Craggs(Regional Coaching
Commissioner) Jon Williamson or myself. Initial criteria will be
performances in 1x at Berwick LDS and Wear LDS plus a 2k ergo test result(as
required by GB trials).
We would like to consider sending the following composite/regional crews
WJ184x, MJ184X, MH4X, WH4X, ML4X,WL4X.(Provided there is sufficient
interest).This will give valuable experience of crew sculling, which would
not ordinarily be available in smaller
clubs/colleges/schools and would build on the momentum created by this
autumn's Northernl Sculling Series.
The activity will provide valuable top class racing experience, raise our
game as a region and give an idea of potential for the national summer
events.
If there are any coaches in the region willing to help co-ordinate/assist
with these potential groups of athletes and their coaches they would be very
welcome.Again please register your interest.

More athletes from this region have been competing internationally than ever
before(I think the names have already been published) we need to keep this
momentum going, by(1)_encouraging our juniors to follow the pathways that
already exist and (2) encouraging our ambitious seniors to take advantage of
opportunities such as this.(3)this gives new and existing coaches the
opportumity to increase their own experience by becoming involved in
coaching for 'national' events.

May I stress that this concept/programme is designed to give athletes more
scope than available at present and further increase our region's profile
nationally and NOT to detract from existing club/school/college crews. It is
also for competition at 'Nationa'l competitions, not regional events.

I would also be interested in any comments/suggestions, this is very much at
the trial stage and if it is to work successfully, needs the support of not
only athletes, but their coaches, and their clubs.
Wade can be contacted at 'o.w.hall-craggs@...' , Jon can be
contacted at 'jonwilliamson@...'

Let's take advantage of this opportunity.

Alan Granlund
Regional Chair

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