Fundraising and Future Projects
Helping Trent Rowing Club grow within the Burton on Trent sporting community
Blades, Boathouse and Belonging
Rowing is often seen as a sport reserved for the elite, but Trent Rowing Club has always stood for something different.
For over 160 years, we've challenged the idea that rowing belongs only to private schools or those who can afford expensive memberships. We're here to prove that talent, dedication, and teamwork matter more than background.
NEW FUNDRAISING EVENT
Trent Duck Race
Hosted at Trent Rowing Club Boathouse - Saturday 4th April at 10am
The Trent Duck Race is a fun, family‑friendly event bringing together local businesses and the Burton community for a fun race on the River Trent.
Participants sponsor a duck and cheer it on as it gently meanders down one of Burton’s most iconic natural landmarks. It’s a simple, joyful event designed to celebrate our river, our town, and the people who use and care for it.
RACE A DUCK FOR ONLY £25!
On the day, ducks are released into the river and spectators line the bank to cheer them downstream. Families, businesses and supporters enjoy the riverside atmosphere as the race unfolds at a relaxed and accessible pace.
Once the race is complete, everyone is invited back to the Trent Rowing Club boathouse for hot drinks and refreshments.
Help us shape the next generation of strong, confident and resilient young people in the Burton area
Through fundraising we are asking for your help to:
Replace dangerously outdated boats and blades
Finish construction of our new boathouse
Launch a youth wellbeing programme through sport
Cover race fees and travel for families in need
Support our incredible volunteer coaching team
Expand adaptive rowing for athletes with disabilities
New Boathouse
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
New Gym
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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Clubhouse Renovation
At Trent, we don’t just teach young people to row
We build:
Confidence
Resilience
Mental strength
A deep sense of belonging
Many of our Juniors come from low-income households, yet they’re consistently outperforming athletes from the UK’s top-funded clubs.
Recent Successes
10th out of 107 clubs at the 2025 British Rowing Championships
East Midlands Regional Champions
Five national medals this year, with just 10 junior athletes
Read about our performances on our News page
Our Struggles Fuel Our Success
What sets us apart isn’t high-tech facilities or flashy boats. It’s heart, grit, and a belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed. But our equipment is outdated.
Our best quad — Furniture Monkey — is over 20 years old. Our blades are more than 15 years old. We’ve raised £45,000 toward a desperately needed new boat shed, but we still need £50,000 more to complete it.
Without this space, we can’t grow and can’t open our doors to more young people who need what Trent has to offer.
Why This Club Matters
Rowing at Trent is more than a sport. For many, it’s a lifeline. It provides structure, stability and support, in a world where young people are increasingly facing anxiety, pressure, and disconnection.
We’ve seen:
Shy teens become confident leaders
Struggling students find their strength
Friendships form that last a lifetime
What Your Donation Supports
With your help, we can:
Replace dangerously outdated boats and blades
Finish construction of our new boathouse
Launch a youth wellbeing programme through sport
Cover race fees and travel for families in need
Support our incredible volunteer coaching team
Expand adaptive rowing for athletes with disabilities
Every Pound Makes a Difference
£10 – Buys training kit or wellbeing resources
£50 – Funds race entry or travel for one junior
£100 – Supports equipment repairs or coaching
£500+ – Brings us closer to completing the boathouse
Even if you can’t donate today, sharing our story makes a huge difference.
Why We Need You
We keep our fees low so no young person is turned away, but that means we rely on generous supporters to keep us afloat. Help us shape the next generation, not just of athletes, but of strong, confident, resilient young people in the Burton area.
Donate. Share. Believe.
The Trent Rowing Club Family
Burton upon Trent | Established 1863 | Volunteer-Run