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Youth Boat Race 2025 brings together young London rowers for racing, community, and celebration

Hosted at Fulham Reach BC on Saturday, 5 April 2025, it was a spectacular showcase of teamwork, opportunity, and the growing diversity within the sport of rowing

Now in its second year, the event has expanded significantly following the success of last year’s pilot, thanks to generous support from The Boat Race Fund. The Youth Boat Race celebrates the power of access and inclusivity – bringing together 100 students from 64 state schools who have started rowing through partnerships with Fulham Reach BC , London Youth Rowing, or Enable at Barn Elms BC.

Adam Freeman-Pask, CEO of Fulham Reach BC, opened the event with a powerful welcome: “Today isn’t just about racing – it’s about the opportunity to take part, make friends, build a community, and share the journey of these incredible young athletes taking to the water. This event, inspired by the iconic Boat Race, shows that rowing belongs to everyone. Whether you’re racing, supporting, or volunteering – thank you for being part of this journey.”

The day began with preliminary time trials along the start section of the Championship Course between the historic landmarks of Fulham Football Ground and Harrods Furniture Depository. The afternoon featured four side-by-side races cheered on by families and other spectators who gathered along the Fulham Reach river banks. Special guests were also in attendance including Councillor Patricia Quigley, Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Double Paralympic Champion and Boat Race Fund trustee, Erin Kennedy OBE.

In her moving speech at the medal ceremony, Kennedy spoke about the power of teamwork in rowing: “Making the boat go fast isn’t about one standout individual – it’s about trusting each other, pulling together, and staying in sync. That’s what makes this sport special, and it’s what makes today so important.”

Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Patricia Quigley at The Youth Boat Race 2025 awards ceremony. Photo: Jason Garcia.

Mayor Patricia Quigley reflected on the growth of the Youth Boat Race since its inaugural event: “This is about more than sport. It’s about creating opportunities for young people to support one another, to build confidence, and to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s inspiring to see how far this event has come.”

Participating schools included  Kensington Aldridge Academy, Cardinal Vaughn Memorial School, Hammersmith Academy, Sacred Heart High School, Fulham Cross Girls’ School, Holland Park School, Chelsea Academy, West London Free School, Mossbourne Academy, and Lady Margaret School, with many crews forming composites to ensure all had the chance to race.

Medals were presented to all participants, recognising effort and achievement equally – reinforcing the event’s mission of making rowing accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all young people.

Photo: Jason Garcia.