Staines welcomes University College London for their Easter rowing camp

University College London (UCL) held a successful 5-day rowing camp, for 45 of its athletes, at Staines Boat Club’s new clubhouse from 11th to 15th April 2022.

The new clubhouse, which will be officially opened later this year in May, was built with funds raised by the existing and former membership, local community and key sponsors including Sport England and London Marathon Charity Trust. The building includes a purpose-built area for boat and equipment storage, dedicated ergo and weights training areas as well as a large open space for athletes to prepare food and relax between training sessions.

UCL normally train on the tideway section of the river Thames. For their rowing camp they wanted to experience the different conditions found on the non-tidal section of the river to help prepare their crews for future events. Key targets include the BUCS Regatta in June for the whole club with some crews hoping to qualify for Women’s Henley and Henley Royal Regatta.

UCL president, Luke Goodier, was pleased with the excellent feedback from all the students who had enjoyed the experience whilst training hard to improve their skills and fitness for the upcoming regatta season. The students really appreciated the facilities, not only the use of the river and gym, but the new club room and the kitchen. The help from Staines Boat Club volunteers was greatly appreciated, to help facilitate a successful and rewarding training camp.