Author(s): GRAHAM, L., CEREXHE, L., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1817

The sport of rowing is often associated with an image of elitism and lack of accessibility. This is particularly evident at Olympic level where athletes who were privately educated consistently take the majority of podium places (8 of 13 at Tokyo 2020), despite comprising less than 7% of the total pupil population in the U.K. Rowing outreach programmes aim to address this issue by introducing the sport to young people who may not have had previous opportunities to engage. This study examines the perceptions of key youth work professionals and volunteers on the accessibility of rowing, potential barriers to participation for their groups, and how outreach coordinators could design programmes which can best meet the needs of local young people.
Stakeholders from eight local youth groups in close proximity to a rowing club offering free outreach activities participated in online, semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically analysed and trustworthiness was addressed through researcher triangulation and member checking.
Participants had largely positive responses towards the proposed outreach activities, highlighting potential benefits including improved mental health, teamwork, and intergenerational physical activity. Areas requiring consideration when designing the activities included cost of travel, image of rowing as "upper class", pathways for sustainability, lack of English language skills, and inclusion of young people with disabilities.
Understanding the needs of young people and those engaged in youth work activities is essential in designing appropriately tailored rowing outreach programmes and in ensuring rowing is best placed to meet inclusivity objectives.