Being outdoors all year on the river seeing it all change through the seasons, in all weathers is important for our kids' mental health, vitamin D etc. And Coach Nick's rule that if grades slip he won’t pick them for racing focuses the mind! I'm sure the discipline involved in rowing has helped with my daughter's grades.

Parent, J14

I love the social aspect of rowing for my son, the fact that he's outside and exercising with friends. It is hugely helpful for discipline, it has given him incredible focus.

Parent, J14

My son likes the team work, fitness and friendships. Rowing helps to encourage his discipline and organisation.

Parent, J14

For children, the physicality and training friendship group opportunity to compete at a national and international level is fantastic. There's no time for wasting in the virtual world, no procrastination. They have to be organised to structure their day training/school/social. The nature of rowing on the tideway means they have to be resilient in the face of difficulty. They learn the art of perseverance and application instead of quitting.

Parent, J16

I am so grateful to Nick all the coaches and Brentford Boat Club. My son has thrived with the coaching having had no previous experience. Rowing has brought discipline and focus to his school work, and we have seen an improvement in his school performance. He has really enjoyed getting fit, I think this may be the making of him.

Parent, J13

What I like most about rowing is the mental wellbeing and fitness, getting out and exercising is so good for your physical and mental health. It requires commitment and gives purpose. I have built genuine friendships as we see the very worst of each other.

Rower, J17

What I like most about rowing is learning to row which has helped with my confidence and self-esteem. Also the massive impact having friends at the club because of the social aspect.

Rower, J14

I like working together with other people my age, and I feel like it helps me build discipline.

Rower, J14

We like the exercise, the discipline, team spirit and the community. My daughter enjoys being on the river - she is committed to getting her homework done on time so she has time to row! Her fitness and overall health has improved and she's conscious to eat healthily in order to keep well.

Parent, J15

The friends he has made since joining the club have played a critical role in his wellbeing. Rowing has improved his focus, and given him ambition to do well. He has learned resilience which has really supported his school and home life.

Parent, J15

I like the discipline and camaraderie of the club. I can also see how much stronger my son is from the training, his physical fitness is significantly noticeable. Coach Nick's approach and attitude is a real draw for me as a parent.

Parent, J15

I like that my daughter spends at least six hours a week away from a screen, doing physical exercise, four hours of it being outdoors building friendships in real life, working as a team and being competitive. There's a level of commitment and discipline which is valuable for teens.

Parent, J14

My three children have all rowed with Brentford Boat Club over the years. We value the community, the friendships, the structure, purpose, and working towards a goal as a team. It offered a safe place when friendships at school were difficult, and it has allowed my daughter to discover a love for coxing.

Parent, J14