Learn to row with NCRA and earn chance for incredible US University rowing scholarship!
Last updated: 8/8/2024
Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association (NCRA), based at the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, is one of the premier performance rowing centres in the UK, developing Olympians, World and National Champions.
The club has developed a close relationship with Tulsa University in Oklahoma, USA, where local young women have been successful in gaining rowing scholarships.
NCRA are working to develop further talented young female athletes, aged 13 to 16, over a period of two to four years, who would then be able to gain rowing scholarships at Tulsa and other American Universities.
The program is supported by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) to encourage parents to consider this exciting route for their child’s university education.
It sits alongside RBC’s existing financial support for elite athletes in helping them reach their sporting goals, further enhancing the boroughs initiatives via easier access to these scholarships in the USA.
The reason the scholarships are available is the Title IX law against gender discrimination in the USA, which has markedly impacted women’s sports, ensuring equal pay and opportunities.
As a direct result of Title IX, all US universities must equally fund male and female sports, which has resulted in a significant increase in funding and opportunities for women in the UK.
NCRA, currently has four club members studying at Tulsa, several more plan to attend in the coming two to three years and take advantage of the fabulous facilities, education, and beneficial financial terms. A full scholarship covers 100% of tuition and living costs, plus additional financial incentives for academic performance. Most will return with no debt, unlike when attending a UK institution.
NCRA athlete Emily Bell, currently on a rowing scholarship, outlines her experience of the program said: “I have just finished my second year at Tulsa. I was selected for a full scholarship, meaning all my expenses surrounding university are paid for, as well as trips to rowing events across the US. Rowing at Tulsa has been life changing.
“The opportunities are beyond my wildest dreams, I have rowed in 10 states in the US and met girls from 12 different countries who row alongside me.
“The facilities and support in the US are unbelievable, we row on the river five days a week, twice a week we lift weights with a specialised coach. We also have a nutritionist who is accessible if required.
“We have a trainer or physio whenever needed. Lastly, there are five coaches who dedicate themselves to helping us. Food wise, we have access to the cafeteria and extra money to support our needs. The university even has a specific building and pastoral care for international students and the professors are equally supportive.
“Perhaps most importantly, Tulsa, as a private university, has one of the highest graduation to job rates of 97%, it goes above and beyond to ensure we are set up for the future.”
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for many of our young people here in Rushcliffe. I have met Emily, who is currently at Tulsa on a scholarship and her experience is incredible.
“It is a lot of hard work, 12 to 14 hour days as a minimum with training and learning but the chance to study in the USA, travel across the country to events and meet people with many different countries is something I am sure she will never forget.
“On the back of the incredible performance of our rowers in the Olympics, we know many young people will be inspired to take up rowing or another event, so why not have a go and get involved.”
In conjunction with British Rowing and its successful Olympic campaign, NCRA is running several three day Learn to Row programs over the summer, find out more at
https://www.britishrowing.org/go-rowing/learn-to-row/
Or for further information on rowing at NCRA and the US scholarship opportunities contact Jeff Hunt, Head Coach by emailing jeffh@ncra.org.uk or visit https://ncra.org.uk/
