Women Moving Rowing Forward

Rowing Ireland is delighted to launch Boat Movers, a new Women in Sport Ambassador Programme designed to empower women to inspire participation, champion inclusion and help shape the future of rowing across Ireland.

Boat Movers will bring together a strong network of passionate women from clubs throughout the country who are committed to creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rowing. Whether as athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, committee members or recreational rowers, ambassadors will play an important role in promoting the sport and encouraging others to take part.

The programme recognises that leadership comes in many forms. You don’t need to be an Olympian or an experienced coach to make a difference. If you are passionate about rowing, enjoy supporting others and want to help grow the sport in your community, Boat Movers could be for you.

What is Boat Movers?

Boat Movers is a 12-month leadership and ambassador programme that will provide successful applicants with opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and communication skills.
• Connect with an all island network of like-minded women.
• Share their rowing story and inspire others.
• Support participation initiatives within their club or community.
• Help create welcoming and inclusive environments for women and girls.
• Represent Rowing Ireland as a Women in Sport Ambassador.

Throughout the programme, ambassadors will receive leadership development, networking opportunities, practical resources and ongoing support from Rowing Ireland.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from women aged 18 and over who are involved in rowing in any capacity, including:

• Athletes
• Recreational rowers
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Officials and umpires
• Club committee members
• University rowers
• Women returning to the sport

We are looking for a diverse group of ambassadors representing different clubs, experiences, ages and backgrounds from across Ireland.

What you get:

Official Rowing Ireland Boat Movers branded kit to wear while representing the programme at events and activities.

Leadership development workshops designed to build confidence, communication and influence.

Storytelling and media training to help share your experiences and inspire others.

Networking opportunities with women from clubs across Ireland who are passionate about growing the sport.

Ongoing support and mentoring from the Rowing Ireland Women in Sport team throughout the programme.

Practical resources and activity ideas to help you deliver a local initiative within your club or community.

Opportunities to feature on Rowing Ireland’s website and social media, showcasing your work and your club.

Recognition as an official Rowing Ireland Women in Sport Ambassador, helping to champion participation, leadership and inclusion across the country.

A certificate of completion recognising your contribution to the inaugural Boat Movers programme.

The opportunity to help shape the future of the programme, with the first cohort playing a key role in developing Boat Movers for years to come.

What’s expected from an ambassador:

Boat Movers is designed to fit around work, study and family commitments, with an expected commitment of approximately 3–4 hours per month.

During the programme, ambassadors will:

• Attend an online induction.
• Participate in online check-ins (once a month max).
• Deliver a small participation or leadership project within their club or community.
• Share their experiences through storytelling and advocacy.
• Help promote opportunities for women and girls in rowing.
• Attend an overnight ambassadors workshop in November (Date TBC- 14th November most likely)

About the participation or leadership project within their club: Every Boat Mover commits to making one positive move for women in rowing within their club or community. No initiative is too small- every action helps move the sport forward. This could involve introducing new women to rowing, creating a welcoming environment for new members, supporting a Women on the Water programme, organising a social rowing event, sharing local role model stories, mentoring a new volunteer, or helping to promote women in coaching, officiating or leadership. Each initiative will reflect the needs and opportunities within the ambassador’s own club.

Be Part of the First Boat Movers Team

This inaugural cohort will help shape the future of the programme while becoming part of a national movement to grow women’s participation, leadership and visibility within Irish rowing.

If you believe in creating positive experiences for women and girls in sport and want to help move rowing forward, we would love to hear from you.

Applications are now open.

For further information and to apply, complete the online application form below by August 31st.

Together, we can move rowing forward.