ROWING ACADEMY

    • Medalist at National Junior Championships

    • A finalist at National Schools Regatta

    • Winner at Irish Schools Regatta

    • Semi finalist in a junior, student (or higher ranked) event at Henley Regatta or Henley Royal Women’s Regatta

    • Selected for Junior European Championships or Coupe de la Jeunesse

    • Winner at Junior at home International regatta in previous year

    • Selected for Senior Home International team in previous year

    • Won at Irish University Championships at Senior (at least 3 crews competing)

    • Medalist at BUCS Regatta

    • Winner at Irish Championships at Intermediate

    Any other information provided, may be taken into account by the selection panel e.g. Grand league regattas or performances at national trials that can be ranked against known performance athletes.

  • Tier 2

    • Won at Senior Irish Championship

    • Finalist in a student (or higher) event at Henley Royal Regatta or Henley Women’s Regatta

    • Won a championship event at BUCS regatta

    • Top 3 (medalist) at the EUSA regatta

    • A final at FISU Championships (with at least 9 entries)

    • Selection for National team at U23

    • An exceptional School leaver with a record of performance at national level may be considered based on appropriate references and NGB recommendation.

    Tier 1

    • Selection for the National team for Olympic Games, Senior World Championships, Senior Continental Championship, or World Cup regatta at senior level

    • Achieve an A Final at World U23 Championships

    • An exceptional School leaver with a performance at International level may be considered based on appropriate references

    • Medalist at FISU Championship (with at least 9 entries)

    • Any other relevant information may be taken into account by the selection panel e.g. performances at National trials that can be ranked against known performance athletes

  • John.Armstrong@qub.ac.uk

    r.carney@qub.ac.uk

    a.purdy@qub.ac.uk

  • John Armstrong - Rowing Head Coach

    John Armstrong began his rowing journey at Portora Royal School in 1975 before captaining Queen’s University Boat Club in 1983 and Lady Victoria Boat Club from 1994 to 1997. A highly accomplished athlete, John has competed in eight World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. His coaching career at Queen’s began in 2000, and he returned as Head Coach in 2020. Over the years, John has also coached at numerous prestigious events, including World Cups, World Championships, and the Paralympic Games.

  • Ryan Carney - Rowing Development Officer

    Ryan Carney joined Queen’s in 2023 as the Rowing Development Officer. With extensive experience as the former Head Coach at the University of Warwick and Lead Women’s Coach at Royal Chester Rowing Club, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, further enhancing the club’s development programme.

  • Andy Purdy - Junior Pathway Coach

    Andy Purdy has been an integral part of Queen’s Rowing for over four decades. Joining as an athlete in 1986, Andy transitioned to a volunteer coaching role with novice rowers in 1991. He later assumed a full-time position as the Junior Pathway Coach in June 2022, continuing his dedicated commitment to developing young talent within the club.

Support Services

The Sports Development Team at Queen’s Sport will be coordinating the support structure for all scholarship recipients and aim to make this achievement as beneficial as possible. This award entitles you to a number of benefits, which are coordinated by the Rowing Development Officer. You will be required to follow the training programme maintain the Academy performance standards as set out by the Rowing Head Coach and Development Officer.

Each full academy member will be supported in the following ways: 

  • Personal and specific athletic development programmes throughout the season 

  • Academic flexibility  

  • Lifestyle and time management mentoring 

  • Physiotherapy and sports medicine support on a needs analysis through Kingsbridge

  • All-inclusive membership to all indoor and outdoor sports facilities at Queen’s Sport 

  • Bespoke training and leisure clothing 

  • Degree Plus accreditation (route A) upon full completion of Academy programme 

All EAP and Academy athletes ate expected to represent the University at every opportunity. BUCS Regatta and National Championships are mandatory events, unless involved in International commitments. All EAP and Academy athletes are expected to have a minimum 90% attendance at training sessions and erg data submissions. LWT erg scores must be completed by Women’s -61kg, Men -71kg. Academy minimum U23 erg score must be obtained before end of November each year for be considered for Academy and can be reviewed in February.