USRowing and Boston Rowing Federation Launch U23 Boston Sculling Development Program

USRowing, in partnership with The Boston Rowing Federation (BRF), is proud to announce the launch of the U23 Boston Sculling Development Program, a pilot high-performance initiative designed to accelerate the development of emerging U23 athletes with the long-term goal of senior national team success.

The program will run June 8 – August 16, 2026, and will be based on the Charles River in Boston, utilizing the Newell and Weld Boathouses at Harvard University, with potential satellite training locations along the river.

This pilot initiative targets athletes with connections to the Boston area who demonstrate high-performance potential and a commitment to long-term sculling development. Ideal candidates include high school seniors aged out of U19 eligibility, as well as first- and second-year collegiate athletes building toward U23 and future senior national team selection in the Olympic quadrennium leading into Brisbane 2032. BRF will also consider select candidates in the later stages of their collegiate careers who demonstrate strong alignment with the program’s high-performance objectives and long-term sculling focus.

The program does not provide room and board, athletes are expected to have ties to the Boston area (hometown, university enrollment, family residence, or independently secured housing). Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own housing and living expenses.

Program Vision

The U23 Boston Sculling Development Program is built to:

• Complement university training programs
• Improve technical and tactical sculling skills
• Provide structured racing opportunities at a high level
• Prepare athletes for future U23 World Championships and senior team pathways
• The program balances elite coaching, flexible scheduling, and meaningful competition, making it an ideal environment for athletes pursuing national and international performance goals while also completing internships or academic commitments.

Training Structure

Athletes will participate in:

• Six coached water sessions per week
• Additional optional “on-your-own” (OYO) training sessions for flexibility
• Emphasis on technical refinement, aerobic development, and race preparation
• Coaching led by experienced Boston-area university coaches

The program will primarily focus on small-boat sculling ( single and double sculls), developing the boatmanship, racing competency, and high-performance habits required for success at the U23 and senior levels.

Racing Opportunities

Athletes will train and race in targeted domestic and international sculling events, with potential competition opportunities including:

• Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (August 2–9 | St. Catharines, Ontario)

Additional domestic racing opportunities and match racing will be incorporated throughout the summer as appropriate.

Program Support & Cost

There are no program fees for the U23 Boston Sculling Development Program. Participation is fully supported by the Boston Rowing Foundation, which covers core costs including:

• On-water coaching
• Strength sessions
• Competition-related expenses (regatta entries and team travel)

Athletes are responsible for housing, per diem, and living expenses.

In return for this support, athletes are expected to demonstrate full commitment to the coaching process, training requirements, and being a positive, engaged member of the training group.

Eligibility & Athlete Profile

The program is open to:

• Men and women under 23
• High school seniors aged out of U19 eligibility
• First- and second-year collegiate athletes
• Select upperclassmen aligned with long-term high-performance objectives
• Athletes committed to long-term sculling development

Program size is limited to 12 athletes (6 women and 6 men).

How to Apply

Applications are now open through the USRowing Member Portal.

Application Instructions:

1. Log into your USRowing Member Portal account.
2. Navigate to the “Camps & Events” section.
3. Select U23 Boston Sculling Development Program – Summer 2026.
4. Complete and submit the application form, which includes:
   • A brief statement explaining why you should be selected
   • A statement outlining your interest in training in Boston
   • Current erg statistics (2k and 5k/6k)
   • Summary of on-the-water racing results
   • One coaching reference (name, relationship, phone, and email)

Selected athletes will be contacted by a representative of the Boston Rowing Foundation with next steps and additional program details.

A National Pilot Model

The U23 Boston Sculling Development Program serves as a pilot model for regional U23 small-boat hubs across the United States. Through partnerships like this, USRowing aims to expand high-performance access, strengthen early U23 development, and create a clearer progression toward future Olympic and senior national team success.

For additional information, please visit the USRowing Member Portal or contact the Boston Rowing Federation. If your program is interested in hosting a development program for 2027, please contact Brett Gorman.