City of Derry Boating Club strengthened inclusive access to water-based sport by improving its ability to introduce rowing in schools and support sustained participation beyond first contact. The case study described the club as promoting rowing for people of all ages, genders and abilities, with a pathway from introduction to skills development and on‑water experience.
The Society’s support was described as a £700 grant towards the purchase of a standard rowing ergometer. The case study explained why this mattered: the club had previously loaned a rowing machine to Oakgrove Integrated School for a fundraising event, and it identified that a dedicated machine would allow greater flexibility to coach rowing in schools and then follow up with on‑water sessions. The difference made was therefore expressed as continuity and reach — the equipment acted as a bridge between initial engagement and sustained participation.
The impact story was centred on access and inclusion. In place-based contexts, the case study noted that access to equipment could determine whether a club expanded reach or remained limited to those who already had confidence, connections or resources. By enabling consistent outreach and follow-through, the support helped widen who could participate and strengthen the club’s ability to build skills, confidence and belonging around river-based activity.
This example also connected waterways with community wellbeing in a grounded way. The story did not claim wider ecological outcomes; instead, it showed how participation in river-based sport strengthened community connection to waterways as shared spaces. The difference made was that more people could access structured activity on and around the river, supported by practical equipment that enabled outreach and sustained involvement.
