Brentford Canoe Club enjoyed a dream debut at the National Sprint Regatta in Nottingham, with nine young paddlers securing medals in their first-ever competition.
The club, formed only months ago, has already become a hub for young people in the London Borough of Hounslow, offering opportunities to get active, develop new skills, and progress in canoe sprint.
Building opportunities through partnership
Brentford Canoe Club was created with support of Paddle UK, SportsAid, and the London Borough of Hounslow’s Thriving Communities Team, with strong engagement from parents in the local community.
The idea began in 2023, when Paddle UK connected with Paul Keane. Paul had established a successful model in Rowing with Team Keane, which recruits, retains and develops rowers from the local area to compete at national and even international level.
Recognising his experience, Paddle UK sought to start a similar talent inclusion project in canoeing, which would help bring exposure to Canoe Sprint to the young people of Hounslow who would not previously have had the chance.
Funding followed in 2024, with SportsAid awarding £66,000 to launch the project and Paddle UK committing an additional £5,000 annually for two years.
Paul has done a fantastic job in turning the idea into reality. He’s built strong links with schools and the community, and created a club with its own identity that’s already thriving.
Keane had successfully built relationships with 14 state schools within the borough, offering free taster sessions to students. The sessions were created to encourage young people to see canoeing as a sport for them.
Regatta debut
The club’s first competitive outing came at the September National Sprint Regatta in Nottingham, where nine paddlers represented Brentford and won multiple races in the Mini Sprints A and B categories.
Coach Danny Mavra praised the team’s efforts:
“Every single one of them rose to the challenge and gave their very best. To see them not only compete but also win their events is a huge achievement, especially for a brand-new club.”
Parents say the impact of the club is already being felt off the water.
“It’s given the children confidence, teamwork skills, and a real sense of belonging,” said one parent.
What began as a summer project is now providing pathways for children of all abilities to take part in canoe sprint, while encouraging healthy lifestyles and new friendships.
Inspiring growth in the sport
With national sprint regatta participation numbers under pressure in recent years, Brentford Canoe Club is being seen as an example of how new initiatives can drive growth in canoe sprint
The club may have only just started, but its success on and off the water shows how community-led projects can make a lasting difference.