A new sports and personal development initiative for young people across Reading and the Thames Valley has officially launched at Reading Rowing Club. The Active Row Thames Valley programme, delivered by London Youth Rowing (LYR) in partnership with Thames Water, aims to open up rowing to local students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part.
Launch day brings together schools from across the region
The summer launch event brought together pupils from several schools, including Cranbury College, Forest School, Hartland High, and Maiden Erlegh School. Students gained hands-on experience both on and off the river, with the event marking the start of a long-term commitment to empower local youth through physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth.
The programme is built around the motto “Be Curious. Be Brave. Be Yourself,” with the aim of helping young people build resilience and self-confidence while staying active. The collaboration extends beyond traditional sponsorship, with Thames Water staff volunteering alongside LYR coaches to mentor students, share environmental insights about local waterways, and offer inspiration for future career paths.
Partnership brings dedicated coach to schools
“This partnership is about more than just getting young people on the water for the first time; it’s about opening up new possibilities,” said Matt Rostron, CEO of London Youth Rowing. “Active Row Thames Valley is designed to give young people the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to thrive.”
Thanks to Thames Water’s support following the partnership's establishment, a full-time dedicated coach is now working directly across participating schools, which also include River Academy and The Wren.
Hands-on approach to youth development
Paul Hampton, Healthy Rivers community manager at Thames Water, emphasised the hands-on nature of the drive: “This is a partnership built on action, not just words, creating opportunities for young people to connect with their local rivers, build new skills, and discover what they are capable of.”
By linking fitness with environmental stewardship and essential life skills, Active Row Thames Valley is set to leave a lasting legacy for Reading’s next generation, proving that a single day on the river can chart a course for a brighter future.
