We were very proud to attend the Kent Coast Volunteering Awards last night, after being nominated alongside some truly amazing organisations from across the community.
We didn’t come away with the award, but being nominated meant a huge amount to us, especially as Folkestone Sculling Academy is still such a new club. To be recognised in a room full of people and organisations giving so much time, energy and care to their communities was a real honour.
What made the evening even more special was realising that we were the only sports club in the room. For us, that says something important about what sport can be.
Rowing is not just about racing, medals or time on the water. At its best, it gives people confidence, friendship, structure, purpose and opportunity. It creates a place where young people can challenge themselves, where adults can learn something new, and where volunteers can make a real difference.
Since starting the Academy, we have been working to make coastal rowing and Beach Sprint rowing more accessible in Folkestone. We are building opportunities for young people, new rowers and local families to get involved in a sport that is growing quickly and now has an Olympic pathway.
Being nominated for a volunteering award reminds us that the work happening behind the scenes matters just as much as the work happening on the water. Every session, every safety check, every boat move, every message, every parent lift, every coach giving their time — it all adds up.
It was a brilliant evening meeting so many inspiring people doing fantastic work across Kent’s coastal communities. We left feeling proud, grateful and even more motivated.
A huge thank you to everyone who supports Folkestone Sculling Academy. For a new club, this nomination means a lot.
We are only just getting started.
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