Over the weekend, three Rowing Ireland Introduction to Coaching Courses were delivered at Portadown Boat Club, Courtmacsherry Rowing Club and Ballycotton Rowing Club, bringing together 47 Rowing Ireland members from 13 clubs.

The Introduction to Coaching Course is a one-day, practical programme designed to help people feel more confident supporting rowing activity within their club. It is open to parents, volunteers, new members and junior rowers aged 16+, and no prior coaching experience is required.

By the end of the day, participants gain the confidence and understanding to support club coaches during rowing sessions, both on the water and in the gym.

Throughout the course, participants explore a number of key topics, including:

  • How rowing sessions are structured and how club training environments operate
  • How people learn new skills, particularly beginners entering the sport
  • Supporting qualified coaches during sessions, both on and off the water
  • Clear communication and positive encouragement when working with participants
  • Safe and supportive ways to assist beginners learning to row
  • Understanding coaching roles, responsibilities and appropriate boundaries

Participants typically leave the course with greater confidence working with others, a clearer understanding of how rowing sessions operate within their club, and practical knowledge they can use immediately to support activity.

Successful completion of the course qualifies participants to act as an assistant coach under supervision. Assistant coaches are not yet qualified to lead squads independently, but the course provides a starting point for those who may wish to progress to Level 1 Coach Education.

Following course completion, successful Garda / Access NI vetting and completion of a recognised Safeguarding course, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement jointly issued by Rowing Ireland and Sport Ireland Coaching.

A sincere thank you to our Coach Developers – Jo Aungiers, Ray Morrison and John Dillon – for delivering the courses and sharing their expertise with participants across the weekend.

Courtmacsherry Rowing Club with Coach Developer John Dillon:


Ballycotton Rowing Club with Coach Developer Ray Morrison:

Portadown Boat Club with Coach Developer Joe Aungiers:

Courses like these play an important role in helping clubs grow their volunteer base, creating environments where more people feel confident supporting activity and ensuring clubs become safer, stronger and less reliant on a small number of individuals.

If you would like to complete a Rowing Ireland coaching course in the future, you can register your interest here: https://www.rowingireland.ie/supporting-our-clubs/coach-education/our-courses/