Fulham Reach Boat Club

Impact Report 2024/25

Sport For Good – Changing lives on the Thames

Welcome

In 2024/25, Fulham Reach Boat Club continued to demonstrate the power of sport to drive positive social change — improving health, inclusion, and environmental stewardship for close to 2,000 participants through the joy of teamwork on the Thames.

Year in Reflection

This year saw continued growth across our youth, prison, and environmental programmes, alongside the successful launch of a new adaptive rowing offer for people with disabilities. Hosting the Youth Boat Race was a particular highlight for our team and the young school rowers involved.

Thank you

Our impact is made possible by the exceptional contribution of our staff, coaches, members, volunteers, funders, and trustees. Their generosity and commitment enable us to keep transforming lives.

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Delia Parry

Delia Parry

Chair

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Adam Freeman-Pask

Adam Freeman-Pask

CEO

A year of Growth and Inclusion.

“I never thought I’d belong on the river… now it feels like home.” – FRBC participant

Behind every rowing experience lies a story of confidence, connection, and change.

This year we supported:

Close to

2,000

Participants

826

Students from 10 state schools

184

Serving or released prisoners

Rowers with disabilities 

11

14

River clean-up sessions

Helped by nearly

500

volunteers

Rowing as a force for good – empowering and connecting.

Youth Development 

At the heart of our work is support for young people aged 13–18 from state schools, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our programmes focus on widening access to rowing and watersports through partnerships with state schools, bursaries for our Youth Squads, and Free Watersports Weeks during the school holidays for young people eligible for Free School Meals.

Our impact

improved their mental wellbeing

85%

felt more connected with nature

85%

89%

improved their team working skills

40%

increase in participants who considered themselves active

83%

felt more confident

Impact outcomes:

826 students representing10 state schools

Nearly 600 rowing sessions

67% of students identified as female

70% of partner schools arelocated in areas ranked 1–4 on the Index of Multiple Deprivation

“Rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club has been transformational for our students. We’ve seen improvements in attendance, confidence and teamwork, particularly among young people who don’t usually engage in sport. Being trusted on the river, working as a crew, and achieving something challenging together has hada real impact in the classroom as well as beyond it.”

Nicholas Pritchard, School Teacher, Kensington Aldridge Academy

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Youth Development event

The Youth Boat Race: Tradition Meets Inclusion

64 students from 10 schools raced on the Boat Race course

An amazing experience filled with music and laughter.”

— Sofia, 16

Featured on BBC coverage 28 million viewers

Speeches by:

Mayor Patricia Quigley, Erin Kennedy OBE  

Olt: from Youth Bursary to FRBC Coach

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Youth Development Olt case study

Olt discovered rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club through his state school in Year 9 and quickly stood out for his leadership, teamwork, and willingness to support others.

 

After earning a fully funded place on FRBC’s youth programme, he progressed from cox to rower, volunteered extensively on holiday programmes, and became a role model for younger participants.

Recognised with a Jack Petchey Award and British Rowing’s Young Volunteer of the Year (Thames Region), Olt qualified as a coach at 18 and was voted FRBC Coach of the Year 2025.

 

His journey from beginner to coach highlights FRBC’s commitment to creating clear pathways and growing talent from within.

Free Watersports

Weeks

FWW blends multi sports, fun, food, friendships and connection. Supported by 15 young volunteers and local partners including RNLI, Queen’s Club Foundation, London Sports Trust, MIND, and St John’s Ambulance. Meals and allergy support increased inclusion, while varied activities encouraged broad participation.

Key impact:

85 young people took part in 3017 hours of activity across 4 weeks in the school holidays, supporting...

16% 

with Special Educational Needs

Over

female participation

50%

from diverse backgrounds

80%

A 20% increase in participation from last year.

 

Accessible Rowing

Accessible rowing is a new and exciting area for Fulham Reach Boat Club, reflecting our ambition to make rowing accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Through our first dedicated programme, Row the Rhythm, we welcomed 10 blind and visually impaired participants between February and June 2025 and in addition have also supported one wheelchair user since April on an ongoing basis. 

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Accessible Rowing case study

Sessions were delivered by FRBC coaches and volunteers trained to support visually impaired and disabled athletes. Adaptations included tactile markings on blades, clear verbal communication and structured routines to promote safety and independence. Small group sizes and consistent volunteer teams built trust and familiarity, creating a genuinely inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

“Here I don’t have to hide my disability; I can just be myself.”

“Life-changing – something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

“Volunteers made me feel expected, welcomed and valued.”

Row the Rhythm has created a replicable model for inclusive sport that can inspire other clubs nationwide

Adaptive rowing is now a core growth area for FRBC, with plans to expand to year-round delivery

Participants cited improved health, confidence and social connection - not just exercise but also empowerment, belonging and community.

 

Reducing

Reoffending

Our 'Boats not Bars’ programme uses rowing to support people in prison and post-release to build discipline, confidence and positive routines. Our courses include psychology workshops and community events that connect participants with FRBC members, enabling post-release support through mentoring, CV-building, job or housing introductions, and direct involvement in rowing or coaching development at FRBC.

Our impact

184

participants across 7 prisons

(total participants since launch: 638)

41

continued post-release engagement

(+141% year on year)

85%

felt more hopeful about

their future

92%

reported improved

wellbeing

86%

reported improved self-confidence

“I loved this course…it opened my eyes on what I can achieve and taught me to control my emotions. It also showed me there are people out there who want the best for us”.

"FRBC gave me a 1 day a week apprenticeship when I left prison, and that 1 day helped me prove my skills & discipline to other employers and gradually change my life."

Environmental

Action 

At FRBC, we believe that “the health of our space is the place for our health”. By making rowing more sustainable - from clean energy to clean water - we show how grassroots sport can lead on climate action and community wellbeing. We partner with schools, local businesses and environmental organisations to integrate climate learning into youth rowing, and to influence river users towards cleaner practices.

Our impact

400+

volunteers from local schools and businesses took part in river clean-up sessions

43

water quality tests

carried out

2,121kg

of rubbish removed

from the river

Launched our first electric boat charging station and retrofitted coaching launches to electric power

Recognised by Sport England & Sport Positive Awards

Climate learning integrated into youth rowing programmes

 

“Before this, I’d never thought about where litter ends up. Now I see the river as alive—and ours to look after.” 

Depth of connection. Power of sport.

“On the water I found my rhythm and friends for life.”

Changing Lives Through Rowing

Thank you to everyone who helped to create this impact.

Our awards

2024

  • World Rowing Programme of the Year 2024
  • Thames Society Shield 2024

2025

  • Third Sector Charity of the Year (medium) Runner up 2025
  • British Association for Sustainable Sport Community Impact 2025
  • Global Sport Positive Community Initiative Finalist 2025
  • Top 100 Great Places to Work for Women, Wellbeing and across the Third Sector 2025
  • British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award 2025

To change lives through the power of sport and to become a friend of FRBC click here

DONATE TODAY

Fulham Reach Boat Club is a registered charity committed to widening access to rowing, supporting youth development, reducing reoffending, and protecting the River Thames through community action.Registered charity no: 1161813.

 

Email: info@fulhamreachboatclub.comTelephone: 020 3356 7154www.fulhamreachboatclub.comFollow us

 

Link to Instagram
Link to X
Link to Facebook

Design by GoodthingThis impact report was designed and developed by Goodthing, a brand and communications practice working with purpose-led organisations.

ww.goodthi.ng

Impact Report 24/25

Fulham Reach Boat Club

Impact Report 2024/25

Sport For Good – Changing lives on the Thames

Welcome

In 2024/25, Fulham Reach Boat Club continued to demonstrate the power of sport to drive positive social change — improving health, inclusion, and environmental stewardship for close to 2,000 participants through the joy of teamwork on the Thames.

Year in Reflection

This year saw continued growth across our youth, prison, and environmental programmes, alongside the successful launch of a new adaptive rowing offer for people with disabilities. Hosting the Youth Boat Race was a particular highlight for our team and the young school rowers involved.

Thank you

Our impact is made possible by the exceptional contribution of our staff, coaches, members, volunteers, funders, and trustees. Their generosity and commitment enable us to keep transforming lives.

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Delia Parry

Delia Parry

Chair

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Adam Freeman-Pask

Adam Freeman-Pask

CEO

A year of Growth and Inclusion.

“I never thought I’d belong on the river… now it feels like home.” – FRBC participant

Behind every rowing experience lies a story of confidence, connection, and change.

This year we supported:

Close to

2,000

Participants

826

Students from 10 state schools

184

Serving or released prisoners

Rowers with disabilities 

11

14

River clean-up sessions

Helped by nearly

500

volunteers

Rowing as a force for good – empowering and connecting.

Youth Development

At the heart of our work is support for young people aged 13–18 from state schools, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our programmes focus on widening access to rowing and watersports through partnerships with state schools, bursaries for our Youth Squads, and Free Watersports Weeks during the school holidays for young people eligible for Free School Meals.

Our impact

improved their mental wellbeing

85%

felt more connected with nature

85%

89%

improved their team working skills

40%

increase in participants who considered themselves active

83%

felt more confident

Impact outcomes:

826 students representing 10 state schools

Nearly 600 rowing sessions

67% of students identified as female

70% of partner schools are located in areas ranked 1–4 on the Index of Multiple Deprivation

“Rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club has been transformational for our students. We’ve seen improvements in attendance, confidence and teamwork, particularly among young people who don’t usually engage in sport. Being trusted on the river, working as a crew, and achieving something challenging together has hada real impact in the classroom as well as beyond it.”

Nicholas Pritchard, School Teacher, Kensington Aldridge Academy

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Youth Development event

The Youth Boat Race: Tradition Meets Inclusion

64 students from 10 schools raced on the Boat Race course

“An amazing experience filled with music and laughter.”    

              — Sofia, 16

Featured on BBC coverage 28 million viewers

Speeches by:

Mayor Patricia Quigley Erin Kennedy OBE  

Olt: from Youth Bursary to FRBC Coach

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Youth Development Olt case study

Olt discovered rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club through his state school in Year 9 and quickly stood out for his leadership, teamwork, and willingness to support others.

 

After earning a fully funded place on FRBC’s youth programme, he progressed from cox to rower, volunteered extensively on holiday programmes, and became a role model for younger participants.

Recognised with a Jack Petchey Award and British Rowing’s Young Volunteer of the Year (Thames Region), Olt qualified as a coach at 18 and was voted FRBC Coach of the Year 2025.

 

His journey from beginner to coach highlights FRBC’s commitment to creating clear pathways and growing talent from within.

Free Watersports

Weeks

FWW blends multi sports, fun, food, friendships and connection. Supported by 15 young volunteers and local partners including RNLI, Queen’s Club Foundation, London Sports Trust, MIND, and St John’s Ambulance. Meals and allergy support increased inclusion, while varied activities encouraged broad participation.

Key impact:

85 young people took part in 3017 hours of activity across 4 weeks in the school holidays, supporting...

with Special

Educational

Needs

16%

Over

female participation

50%

from diverse backgrounds

80%

A 20% increase in participation from last year.

 

Accessible Rowing

Accessible rowing is a new and exciting area for Fulham Reach Boat Club, reflecting our ambition to make rowing accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Through our first dedicated programme, Row the Rhythm, we welcomed 10 blind and visually impaired participants between February and June 2025 and in addition have also supported one wheelchair user since April on an ongoing basis. 

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Accessible Rowing case study

Sessions were delivered by FRBC coaches and volunteers trained to support visually impaired and disabled athletes. Adaptations included tactile markings on blades, clear verbal communication and structured routines to promote safety and independence. Small group sizes and consistent volunteer teams built trust and familiarity, creating a genuinely inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

“Here I don’t have to hide my disability; I can just be myself.”

“Life-changing – something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

“Volunteers made me feel expected, welcomed and valued.”

Row the Rhythm has created a replicable model for inclusive sport that can inspire other clubs nationwide

Adaptive rowing is now a core growth area for FRBC, with plans to expand to year-round delivery

Participants cited improved health, confidence and social connection - not just exercise but also empowerment, belonging and community.

 

Reducing

Reoffending

Our 'Boats not Bars’ programme uses rowing to support people in prison and post-release to build discipline, confidence and positive routines. Our courses include psychology workshops and community events that connect participants with FRBC members, enabling post-release support through mentoring, CV-building, job or housing introductions, and direct involvement in rowing or coaching development at FRBC.

Our impact

184

participants across 7 prisons

(total participants since launch: 638)

41

continued post-release engagement

(+141% year on year)

85%

felt more hopeful about

their future

92%

reported improved

wellbeing

86%

reported improved self-confidence

“I loved this course…it opened my eyes on what I can achieve and taught me to control my emotions. It also showed me there are people out there who want the best for us”.

"FRBC gave me a 1 day a week apprenticeship when I left prison, and that 1 day helped me prove my skills & discipline to other employers and gradually change my life."

Environmental

Action 

At FRBC, we believe that “the health of our space is the place for our health”. By making rowing more sustainable - from clean energy to clean water - we show how grassroots sport can lead on climate action and community wellbeing. We partner with schools, local businesses and environmental organisations to integrate climate learning into youth rowing, and to influence river users towards cleaner practices.

Our impact

400+

volunteers from local schools and businesses took part in river clean-up sessions

43

water quality tests

carried out

2,121kg

of rubbish removed

from the river

Launched our first electric boat charging station and retrofitted coaching launches to electric power

Recognised by Sport England & Sport Positive Awards

Climate learning integrated into youth rowing programmes

 

“Before this, I’d never thought about where litter ends up. Now I see the river as alive—and ours to look after.” 

Depth of connection. Power of sport.

“On the water I found my rhythm and friends for life.”

Changing Lives Through Rowing

Thank you to everyone who helped to create this impact.

Our awards

2024

  • World Rowing Programme of the Year 2024
  • Thames Society Shield 2024

2025

  • Third Sector Charity of the Year (medium) Runner up 2025
  • British Association for Sustainable Sport Community Impact 2025
  • Global Sport Positive Community Initiative Finalist 2025
  • Top 100 Great Places to Work for Women, Wellbeing and across the Third Sector 2025
  • British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award 2025

To change lives through the power of sport and to become a friend of FRBC click here

DONATE TODAY

Fulham Reach Boat Club is a registered charity committed to widening access to rowing, supporting youth development, reducing reoffending, and protecting the River Thames through community action.Registered charity no: 1161813.

 

Email: info@fulhamreachboatclub.comTelephone: 020 3356 7154www.fulhamreachboatclub.comFollow us

 

Link to Instagram
Link to X
Link to Facebook

Design by GoodthingThis impact report was designed and developed by Goodthing, a brand and communications practice working with purpose-led organisations.

ww.goodthi.ng

Impact Report 24/25

Fulham Reach Boat Club

Impact Report 2024/25

Sport For Good – Changing lives on the Thames

Welcome

In 2024/25, Fulham Reach Boat Club continued to demonstrate the power of sport to drive positive social change — improving health, inclusion, and environmental stewardship for close to 2,000 participants through the joy of teamwork on the Thames.

Year in Reflection

This year saw continued growth across our youth, prison, and environmental programmes, alongside the successful launch of a new adaptive rowing offer for people with disabilities. Hosting the Youth Boat Race was a particular highlight for our team and the young school rowers involved.

Thank you

Our impact is made possible by the exceptional contribution of our staff, coaches, members, volunteers, funders, and trustees. Their generosity and commitment enable us to keep transforming lives.

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Delia Parry

Delia Parry

Chair

Fulham Reach Boat Club Leadership Adam Freeman-Pask

Adam Freeman-Pask

CEO

A year of Growth and Inclusion.

“I never thought I’d belong on the river… now it feels like home.” – FRBC participant

Behind every rowing experience lies a story of confidence, connection, and change.

This year we supported:

Close to

2,000

Participants

826

Students from 10 state schools

184

Serving or released prisoners

Rowers with disabilities 

11

14

River clean-up sessions

Helped by nearly

500

volunteers

Rowing as a force for good – empowering and connecting.

 

Youth Development

At the heart of our work is support for young people aged 13–18 from state schools, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our programmes focus on widening access to rowing and watersports through partnerships with state schools, bursaries for our Youth Squads, and Free Watersports Weeks during the school holidays for young people eligible for Free School Meals.

Our impact

improved their mental wellbeing

85%

felt more connected with nature

85%

89%

improved their team working skills

40%

increase in participants who considered themselves active

83%

felt more confident

Overcoming adversity and building skills that last

Impact outcomes:

826 students representing10 state schools

Nearly 600 rowing sessions

67% of students identified as female

70% of partner schools arelocated in areas ranked 1–4 on the Index of Multiple Deprivation

“Rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club has been transformational for our students. We’ve seen improvements in attendance, confidence and teamwork, particularly among young people who don’t usually engage in sport. Being trusted on the river, working as a crew, and achieving something challenging together has hada real impact in the classroom as well as beyond it.”

Nicholas Pritchard, School Teacher, Kensington Aldridge Academy

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Youth Development event

The Youth Boat Race: Tradition Meets Inclusion

64 students from 10 schools raced on the Boat Race course

“An amazing experience filled with music and laughter.”    

              — Sofia, 16

Featured on BBC coverage 28 million viewers

Speeches by:

Mayor Patricia Quigley Erin Kennedy OBE  

Olt: from Youth Bursary to FRBC Coach

Olt discovered rowing at Fulham Reach Boat Club through his state school in Year 9 and quickly stood out for his leadership, teamwork, and willingness to support others.

 

After earning a fully funded place on FRBC’s youth programme, he progressed from cox to rower, volunteered extensively on holiday programmes, and became a role model for younger participants.

Recognised with a Jack Petchey Award and British Rowing’s Young Volunteer of the Year (Thames Region), Olt qualified as a coach at 18 and was voted FRBC Coach of the Year 2025.

 

His journey from beginner to coach highlights FRBC’s commitment to creating clear pathways and growing talent from within.

Free Watersports

Weeks

FWW blends multi sports, fun, food, friendships and connection. Supported by 15 young volunteers and local partners including RNLI, Queen’s Club Foundation, London Sports Trust, MIND, and St John’s Ambulance. Meals and allergy support increased inclusion, while varied activities encouraged broad participation.

Key impact:

85 young people took part in 3017 hours of activity across 4 weeks in the school holidays, supporting...

16% 

with Special Educational Needs

Over

female participation

50%

from diverse backgrounds

80%

A 20% increase in participation from last year.

 

Accessible Rowing

Accessible rowing is a new and exciting area for Fulham Reach Boat Club, reflecting our ambition to make rowing accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Through our first dedicated programme, Row the Rhythm, we welcomed 10 blind and visually impaired participants between February and June 2025 and in addition have also supported one wheelchair user since April on an ongoing basis. 

Fulham Reach Boat Club Impact report 2024/2025 Accessible Rowing case study

Sessions were delivered by FRBC coaches and volunteers trained to support visually impaired and disabled athletes. Adaptations included tactile markings on blades, clear verbal communication and structured routines to promote safety and independence. Small group sizes and consistent volunteer teams built trust and familiarity, creating a genuinely inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

“Here I don’t have to hide my disability; I can just be myself.”

“Life-changing – something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

“Volunteers made me feel expected, welcomed and valued.”

Row the Rhythm has created a replicable model for inclusive sport that can inspire other clubs nationwide

Adaptive rowing is now a core growth area for FRBC, with plans to expand to year-round delivery

Participants cited improved health, confidence and social connection - not just exercise but also empowerment, belonging and community.

 

Reducing

Reoffending

Our 'Boats not Bars’ programme uses rowing to support people in prison and post-release to build discipline, confidence and positive routines. Our courses include psychology workshops and community events that connect participants with FRBC members, enabling post-release support through mentoring, CV-building, job or housing introductions, and direct involvement in rowing or coaching development at FRBC.

Our impact

184

participants across 7 prisons

(total participants since launch: 638)

41

continued post-release engagement

(+141% year on year)

85%

felt more hopeful about

their future

92%

reported improved

wellbeing

86%

reported improved self-confidence

“I loved this course…it opened my eyes on what I can achieve and taught me to control my emotions. It also showed me there are people out there who want the best for us”.

"FRBC gave me a 1 day a week apprenticeship when I left prison, and that 1 day helped me prove my skills & discipline to other employers and gradually change my life."

Environmental

Action 

At FRBC, we believe that “the health of our space is the place for our health”. By making rowing more sustainable - from clean energy to clean water - we show how grassroots sport can lead on climate action and community wellbeing. We partner with schools, local businesses and environmental organisations to integrate climate learning into youth rowing, and to influence river users towards cleaner practices.

Our impact

400+

volunteers from local schools and businesses took part in river clean-up sessions

43

water quality tests

carried out

2,121kg

of rubbish removed

from the river

Launched our first electric boat charging station and retrofitted coaching launches to electric power

Recognised by Sport England & Sport Positive Awards

Climate learning integrated into youth rowing programmes

 

“Before this, I’d never thought about where litter ends up. Now I see the river as alive—and ours to look after.” 

Depth of connection. Power of sport.

“On the water I found my rhythmand friends for life.”

Changing Lives Through Rowing

Thank you to everyone who helped to create this impact.

Our awards

2024

  • World Rowing Programme of the Year 2024
  • Thames Society Shield 2024

2025

  • Third Sector Charity of the Year (medium) Runner up 2025
  • British Association for Sustainable Sport Community Impact 2025
  • Global Sport Positive Community Initiative Finalist 2025
  • Top 100 Great Places to Work for Women, Wellbeing and across the Third Sector 2025
  • British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award 2025

To change lives through the power of sport and to become a friend of FRBC click here

DONATE TODAY

Fulham Reach Boat Club is a registered charity committed to widening access to rowing, supporting youth development, reducing reoffending, and protecting the River Thames through community action.Registered charity no: 1161813.

 

Email: info@fulhamreachboatclub.comTelephone: 020 3356 7154www.fulhamreachboatclub.comFollow us

 

Link to Instagram
Link to X
Link to Facebook

Design by GoodthingThis impact report was designed and developed by Goodthing, a brand and communications practice working with purpose-led organisations.

ww.goodthi.ng

Impact Report 24/25