Firhill Youth Project and Community Hub
In September 2021 the Firhill Youth Project and community Sports Hub in Glasgow was awarded a Gemini Boat Race Bursary. The project stood out because it focused on breaking down barriers to participation in sport in its community.
Firhill is the only organisation in Scotland providing free access to rowing for young people, using the Positive Youth Development Framework to improve physical and mental health, increase self-confidence and connectedness for participants.
Since receiving the Bursary, they have run 48 rowing sessions and helped 81 local young people to get out on the water. These activities have linked with the Prince’s Trust, local primary and secondary schools and events such as Women and Girls in Sport week. The young people participating have been delighted with the addition of two new GlideOne boats and five Concept2 ergs which have helped them to stay active and engaged throughout the winter months.
Siobhan Cassidy, Director of The Boat Race Company said:
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary has helped establish a six-month full-time Project Coordinator/Rowing Coach from the 1 October 2021.
The Gemini Boat Race funding has been pivotal in allowing Firhill Youth to expand their free rowing provision. Having a full-time role will provide a significant number of local young people with the opportunities to become engaged in rowing in their local community and build their skills for the future.
Building a ‘better shared future’ involves:
Removing barriers
Gemini and The Boat Race Company are committed to lessening financial hurdles and widening access to a new generation of rowers.
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will alleviate obstacles, such as access to rowing kit and equipment, increase awareness across communities and give logistical support including travelling to and from the rowing club to ensure students feel comfortable and safe.
Increasing inclusion
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme aims to engage a new generation of potential rowers across a broader range of socio-economic backgrounds and build a bridge between sport and underserved communities. The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will provide rowing instruction, mentorship, facilities, and education to students by removing the financial barriers that often prevent them from taking part.
Working with partner organisations
This is an ambitious initiative, and we seek to work with transformative organisations able to deliver life changing experiences through sport. Through collaboration with grassroots engagement experts this initiative aims to give young people access to a sport they may not have had the opportunity to find before.
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will work with organisations who utilise rowing machines as well as rowing boats and whose ambitions for young people go beyond sport.
Find out more details about The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Fund and the other recipients by using the link below.
Firhill is the only organisation in Scotland providing free access to rowing for young people, using the Positive Youth Development Framework to improve physical and mental health, increase self-confidence and connectedness for participants.
Since receiving the Bursary, they have run 48 rowing sessions and helped 81 local young people to get out on the water. These activities have linked with the Prince’s Trust, local primary and secondary schools and events such as Women and Girls in Sport week. The young people participating have been delighted with the addition of two new GlideOne boats and five Concept2 ergs which have helped them to stay active and engaged throughout the winter months.
Siobhan Cassidy, Director of The Boat Race Company said:
“Given our focus on a Better Shared Future, we are so pleased to see the link between Firhill and The Prince’s Trust. The Dynamic Youth Award qualification they facilitate helps local young people develop confidence, skills, and qualifications; all of which help them find suitable employment and further education opportunities.”
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary has helped establish a six-month full-time Project Coordinator/Rowing Coach from the 1 October 2021.
The Gemini Boat Race funding has been pivotal in allowing Firhill Youth to expand their free rowing provision. Having a full-time role will provide a significant number of local young people with the opportunities to become engaged in rowing in their local community and build their skills for the future.
Building a ‘better shared future’ involves:
Removing barriers
Gemini and The Boat Race Company are committed to lessening financial hurdles and widening access to a new generation of rowers.
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will alleviate obstacles, such as access to rowing kit and equipment, increase awareness across communities and give logistical support including travelling to and from the rowing club to ensure students feel comfortable and safe.
Increasing inclusion
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme aims to engage a new generation of potential rowers across a broader range of socio-economic backgrounds and build a bridge between sport and underserved communities. The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will provide rowing instruction, mentorship, facilities, and education to students by removing the financial barriers that often prevent them from taking part.
Working with partner organisations
This is an ambitious initiative, and we seek to work with transformative organisations able to deliver life changing experiences through sport. Through collaboration with grassroots engagement experts this initiative aims to give young people access to a sport they may not have had the opportunity to find before.
The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will work with organisations who utilise rowing machines as well as rowing boats and whose ambitions for young people go beyond sport.
Find out more details about The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Fund and the other recipients by using the link below.
“Given our focus on a Better Shared Future, we are so pleased to see the link between Firhill and The Prince’s Trust. The Dynamic Youth Award qualification they facilitate helps local young people develop confidence, skills, and qualifications; all of which help them find suitable employment and further education opportunities.”
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