Emma Stewart

Sports Award

Age:

19

Biography

Hi I'm Emma and I'm 19 years old. I am currently studying Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Nottingham. I started my rowing journey at Leicester Rowing Club when I was 13 and have continued to compete and train for Leicester and more recently for the University of Nottingham. I have competed at local, national and international level events in small and larger crew boats (including National Schools Regatta, British Championships, BUCs Regatta, Henley Women's Regatta and most recently, Henley Royal Regatta Qualifiers).

I would now like to develop my knowledge of rowing by achieving my Level 2 Sliding Seat coaching qualification which I am due to start in September. Rowing is a very demanding sport not just physically but also time intensive. On average I train 12 times a week and so I believe having a good relationship with open communication between athlete and coach is extremely important. I aim to foster this approach in my coaching style.

I am incredibly grateful to the Joe Humphries Trust for their support and awarding me with the Inspire grant. The grant will help financially support me in obtaining a qualification allowing me to develop and independently coach junior and novice rowers. This has been an ambition of mine for a long time. The coaches and members of Leicester Rowing Club have supported me continually over the years, and I would now like to support and inspire others in their development in rowing.

I am enthusiastic about rowing being accessible, and so with my qualification, I would love to volunteer my coaching to clubs that need it and help Leicester Rowing Club with their partnership with the local school that aims to give kids access to rowing. The British Rowing Sliding Seat Level 2 coaching course is the first step towards a hopefully successful coaching career.