Women’s Development Programme
British Rowing’s development programme to support female rowers and their coaches.

For rowers, this is a chance to come together with other like-minded people and create a network of support to drive your development, whilst learning what to focus on for you to develop more effectively and take back to your club. We welcome rowers attending with or without a coach.
We encourage women and girls of any ability to attend who are:
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- Part of the J15 to U23 age groups
- Taller than 174cm
- Able to achieve a time of 0:52 (1:44 split) or below for a 250m ergo at a maximum rate of 44spm
- Keen to learn, develop and share experience
For coaches, this will be an opportunity to develop technical knowledge, coaching skills, expand your coaching network and share experience on developing women of all ages in your club. Coaches are welcome to attend with or without a rower but must hold a British Rowing Membership.
Apply
Apply for the 2022-23 Women's Development Programme
Applications have been extended for the North West Region until 09:00 on Monday November 7th.
Applications for all other regions has now closed.
Please note each year the Women’s Development Programme receives a high number of applications. Numbers are limited to 12 rowers and 12 coaches for each region so that we are able to deliver the best possible experience to those who attend. For full information on our selection policy please see here. If you have any questions please email James Andrews | Head of Performance Talent or if you’d like to speak more about the Women’s Development Programme in your region please find contacts for your Lead Coach above.
Focused Training Days:
The programme’s main focus is building on an area of development for each of the 3 main days. These are:
- Fundamentals of Power – Learning to move efficiently to perform a more powerful stroke. Starting on land before moving on the water.
- Strength & Conditioning – Knowing how to correctly and safely increase power output.
- Small Boat Technical Development – Discovering how to improve coordination and efficiently move a boat.
Each day starts with a virtual session giving you a briefing on what to expect. On each day, rowers and coaches will work with one of our Women’s Development Coaches to learn about how you can work to reach your full potential.
“The day was extremely informative and very enjoyable. That balance between fun and serious work was very well done.” Northern Attendee 2019
Virtual Sessions:
New for the 2022-23 season we will be hosting unique virtual lessons. Aimed specifically toward women on the programme and the coaches who coach them. more information coming soon.
Start Camp:
“I really enjoyed the day, I found it really useful, and a good way to challenge my own capabilities.” South West Attendee 2020
For 2022-23, we will be teaming up with British Rowing’s Start Programme.
Places will be by invitation only for selected rowers to attend with their coach. If invited, you will learn about the ethos and behaviours expected of rowers attending camps. Learn how to keep yourself in good condition and how you should be training to bring out your best results.
British Rowing staff and Women’s Development Programme coaches select invitees based on their attendance to the Women’s Development Programme sessions, completion, and results from submitted Rower Reports, as well as feedback from Women’s Development Programme Coaches and other supporting data.
Performance Talent Rower Report:
All rowers attending will be invited to take part in the Performance Talent Rower Report. The reports produced are designed to give a snapshot of the rower and enable the rower, the coach and us to give the best advice on where to focus your development.