Friday February 5 2010

Solent’s help for young rowers

Pupils from Bridgemary Community Sports College tested their fitness at Southampton Solent University, ahead of a competition to search for young rowers to represent Hampshire at national level. 

The tailor-made programmes – designed and carried out by sports science staff and students – were just the boost the young rowers needed. The team performed well, with Year 10 pupil, Adam Borthwick winning a second-place medal and a place in the county team. 

The eight young rowers - from the College’s newly formed indoor rowing team - were put through their paces at the University’s sports science labs ahead of the Hampshire county trials held at Barton Peveril College last week. 

The programme tested the 14-16 year olds’ endurance, strength, power, flexibility and overall sports specific fitness. The pupils were also given expert advice on fitness, nutrition, and training. 

Bridgemary Community College’s PE Technician, Sam Harlow – who introduced indoor rowing to the College last September – was thrilled with the results. He said:

“Although new to the college, indoor rowing has really caught the pupils’ imagination. Having the opportunity to use the University’s high tech equipment and take part in the fitness tests was a real eye opener for the team, and increased the healthy competition amongst them. The training really improved their performance ahead of the county trials.” 

Darren Paul, Solent Senior Lecturer in Sports Conditioning and Fitness, said:  “It was great to be able to give the youngsters an opportunity to experience professional sport science support, including the kind of testing and training usually associated with elite athletes. It also gave them an insight into the various areas of sports science and health and fitness courses we offer should they decide to go onto higher education".

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040