Hammersmith & Fulham – birthplace of rowing glory since 1856, our legendary Thames course creates sporting history every year!
More than 60 pupils from local schools took to Hammersmith & Fulham's world-famous stretch of the Thames on Saturday 5 April for this year's Youth Boat Race.
The excited students gathered at Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC) to race on the same legendary Championship course that will host the 170th Oxford-Cambridge showdown this Sunday 13 April.
Hammersmith & Fulham's Mayor, Cllr Patricia Quigley, who presented medals at the event, highlighted the borough's special connection to the historic race:
Congratulations to all the young people making H&F history by racing on this iconic stretch of the Thames. I was delighted to attend the second Youth Boat Race this year, and even more thrilled to see so many young people working together in teams and enjoying themselves.
Fulham Reach Boat Club is intent on making rowing accessible for all members of the community and that is why I am so proud to have them as one of my nominated Mayoral charities."
The event, now double the size of last year's, began with time trials between Fulham Football Club and FRBC. Side-by-side races then set off as spectators cheered on students from local schools including Hammersmith Academy, Sacred Heart High School, Fulham Cross Girls School, Chelsea Academy, West London Free School and Lady Margaret School.
If you missed the action live, the BBC will show a segment about the day during the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race coverage.
Racing on historic waters
Chief executive of Fulham Reach Boat Club, Adam Freeman-Pask, opened the event:
"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."
The event – a joint initiative between Fulham Reach Boat Club and The Boat Race Fund – aims to make rowing accessible, inclusive and empowering all young people in our borough.
FRBC offers a range of rowing courses for all skill levels, including a basic 'learn to row' class. Committed to youth development, the club runs programmes like state school rowing and provides free water sports weeks during the school holidays.
Connecting community and river
FRBC is dedicated to making not only rowing but the Thames accessible to local residents.
"Learning to row lets people connect with the river that's the heart of London," said Adam. "It's social, helps you bond with people, learn a skill, and improve mental health."
Despite ongoing concerns about sewage discharges, the club's weekly water quality testing tells a more nuanced story.
The recently completed Thames Water Super Sewer has brought hope to river conservation efforts. "We have recently seen improvements," Adam explained. "Our data shows how clean the river can be if pollution isn't spilled."
FRBC's citizen science approach involves volunteers testing for E. Coli, nitrates, and phosphates – indicators for sewage. "We want to get young people directly involved," Adam added. "By engaging our rowers in our regular water testing, we're helping them understand the river's health and building a long-term picture of environmental change."
Regular river clean-ups complement their testing, removing plastic and raising community awareness. The club has even installed a seal watch sign, supporting marine life conservation along the Thames.
