Rowing Ireland is delighted to announce the return of the Youth Commission for a second year, continuing its mission to uplift young voices and help shape the future of rowing across the island.

First launched in September 2024, the Youth Commission was established to empower young rowers and embed youth perspectives into decision-making across the organisation. Its inaugural year proved highly successful, with 12 members actively engaging in discussions, representing junior interests, and bringing fresh ideas to the wider rowing community. These members were selected for their passion, talent, and commitment to the sport, and were tasked with representing their peers at a national level.

In January 2025, the Youth Commission met in Dublin for its first official session. The group discussed topics of key importance to youth rowers such as the challenges faced by teenage athletes (e.g. training demands, nutrition, and injury management), experiences at rowing venues around the island, and opportunities for greater engagement through workshops with high-performance athletes and Rowing Ireland leadership.

Throughout the past year, the Commission has provided valuable insights to Rowing Ireland’s leadership, contributing to ongoing efforts to ensure rowing is inclusive, supportive, and youth-focused.

What the Youth Commission Stands For

Provides a platform for young people within Rowing Ireland to:

Voice their views on issues that matter most to junior athletes.

Collaborate with clubs, coaches, and stakeholders to ensure youth insights are part of strategic discussions.

Foster a sense of belonging and participation among young rowers

Support the growth and retention of youth participation in rowing.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Building on the strong foundation laid in its first year, the Youth Commission will reconvene for another term in 2026 with 12 new members and fresh ambitions. The Commission will continue its work in amplifying youth voices, collaborating with clubs and Rowing Ireland committees, and supporting initiatives that make rowing more accessible and engaging for young athletes of all backgrounds.

How to Get Involved

We encourage all clubs to promote this initiative among their junior members. For more details on the Terms of Reference and Selection Policy, please see Downloads below.

To apply, eligible members are asked to complete the following form by close of business, Friday 20th of February.

RI Youth Commission Application Form – 2026

Personal Information

First Name & Surname
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 18 at the time of application.

Statement of Interest

Please provide a brief statement outlining:
Enter your statement
Enter your contribution

Rowing Involvement and Relevant Experience:

Enter your summary
Max. file size: 400 MB.
The application must include a signed endorsement from the applicant’s club secretary, confirming the applicant’s active membership and suitability for the commission.

Rowing Ireland would like to thank all members of the Youth Commission 2025 for their valuable contributions to date. We look forward to the continued contribution of the Youth Commission as it helps guide rowing into the future, ensuring that the voices of the next generation of rowers are heard today.

If you have any further questions, please contact clubsupport@rowingireland.ie