Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association (NCRA) is a prominent rowing club based on the infamous Holme Pierrepont, which is also the setting for regattas that take place in the spring and summer most notably, British Universities and Colleges Regatta and previously National Schools Regatta. NCRA has an excellent reputation for its ability to develop competitive rowers and producing high-calibre athletes who have achieved success nationally and internationally.
Established in 1981, the club pooled together rowers from around the county and local schools to create NCRA which was headed up by former coach and oarsman Freddie Brooks. NCRA differs from many other clubs across the country that accommodate all levels of rowing, NCRA was conceived with the purpose to develop elite athletes with ambitions to represent their country nationally and internationally. Working closely with local university programmes and British Rowing, NCRA has actualised its rasion d’etre and can confidently lay claim to the title of one of the most decorated rowing clubs in the UK.
Though, in 2006 the club reluctantly had to close its doors as funding hindered the club’s ability to function it the best of its ability. A decade went by without the shining jewel for Nottingham rowing. Though, by 2016 NCRA rose like a phoenix from the ashes and reopened their doors to continue what they had started. Being guided by head coach Declan Gamble, NCRA retained their methods and training style that had previously brought them success. With a new thirst for greatness and the same winning mentality, NCRA didn’t waste any time to reestablish themselves as the club to row for. Medals poured in from the UK’s revered regattas such as National Schols Regatta, Home International Regatta and athletes selected for the GB junior team in 2017 and the under 23 2018 and 2019 teams. A resurgence like this would have certainly given NCRA an assured confidence knowing that they all the ingredients for brilliance in the right measurements.
With NCRA’s driving force being to attract and produce elite rowers, it’s no surprise that their list of achievements reflects this ambition. Many rowers from the club have been selected for the national team further highlighting NCRA’s focus on developing the very best. NCRA hit the ground running with their first major event in 1983 (only two years after being created) by winning a silver medal in the lightweight coxless fours at the World Championships. And the success didn’t stop there, 1984 NCRA clinched their first Henley Royal Regatta win for the Wyfold Challenge Cup and also sent athletes to compete in the Los Angeles Olympic regatta.
Since their conception, NCRA has continually achieved a myriad of accolades that have set their reputation in stone. More recently, Olivia Bates, a lightweight rower, has embodied NCRA’s competitive spirit by representing her club and country at the recent World Championships in August finishing 9th overall. Having represented GB on multiple occasions, Olivia has a wealth of European and World Championship victories.
Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association’s future looks bright. With access to resources and a tried and tested system to bring out the best of their athletes, this club will continue to push onwards and upwards.
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