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I’m encouraged by the next step in our journey, a new multi-year partnership between LYR and Thames Water.

This is the beginning of a delivery‑led collaboration designed to bring the life-changing benefits of sport, mentorship and physical activity to more young people across the Thames Valley and beyond.

This partnership is rooted in what matters most to us:transparency, measurable impact, and youth voice. It’s not a branding exercise, it’s not a superficial sponsorship - it’s about delivery, real programmes, real young people, real outcomes.

A partnership built on action

Unlike traditional sponsorship models, this is a delivery‑first partnership. Thames Water is supporting LYR’s proven programmes, enabling us to reach new communities while staying true to our mission and values.

Together, we’ll be expanding access to structured physical activity in schools and on the water, providing wellbeing support, and creating meaningful introductions to the world of work. Young people will also have opportunities to learn about their local river environment and build positive relationships with the Thames.

Both parties are committed to developing career opportunities and life skills for young people, one of the advantages of working with a huge local employer like Thames Water, who are incredibly dedicated to helping young people into work.

Fundamentally, we’re going to be expanding our Active Row programme, again. Already established across major UK regions including London, Nottingham, Bristol and Leeds, Active Row is heading to the Thames Valley region. This collaboration with Thames Water has allowed us to launch ActiveRow Thames Valley, providing opportunities for more young people to be active, build confidence and develop positive relationships with the river.

Stay tuned for further updates on Active Row Thames Valley.

First stop: NJIRC South 2026

I am writing this just days before one of my favourite moments of the year, the climax of the National Junior Indoor RowingChampionships, NJIRC South.

NJIRC is the world’s largest indoor rowing event for school‑aged young people. Every year, thousands of participants take part in either virtual or live options of the event. This year we have done all three and over 1,000young people will arrive at the Copper Box Arena in London ready to test themselves, cheer for their teams, and take part in something energetic, inclusive and unforgettable.

This year, Thames Water will partner with us for the event, and we’ll be welcoming a group of their employees who are volunteering on the day. Volunteers are the heartbeat of NJIRC, they’re the reason thousands of young people feel supported, celebrated and safe throughout the event. I’m looking forward to seeing Thames Water’s volunteers experience that energy for the first time.

They’ll also be supporting our Life Skills Festival, helping us create even more opportunities for young people to explore new ideas, careers and pathways.

Why Thames Water, and why now?

I know that when people hear water company, especially right now, there will be questions. And that’s fair. At LYR, we’ve built our reputation on trust, independence and impact. We would NEVER enter a partnership that compromises that.

Thames Water has explained to us that it is a business in transformation, with new leadership, clear commitments to change, and a genuine desire to invest in communities.

Their support, throughout this partnership, is wholly focused on delivery in schools, on the river, and through skills‑building opportunities for young people. Both parties have been clear from the outset that this partnership is about creating positive futures, not PR gloss.

Importantly, this collaboration does not endorse or comment on Thames Water’s historical operational performance. Those challenges remain theirs to address and we are aware.

What this partnership does, is create opportunities for young people who might otherwise never step on a boat, never join a supportive community, never see pathways into new skills or careers.

That’s where we hold ourselves, and our partners, to the highest standard.

Looking ahead

Partnerships like this enable us to think bigger, reach further and deliver more. But the core of our work doesn’t change. LYR remains independent, mission‑driven and committed to amplifying the voices of the young people we serve.

This partnership will help thousands more young people find confidence, belonging and new opportunities - on and off the water.

I’m excited for what’s ahead, proud of the team who have shaped this partnership, and grateful to the young people whose enthusiasm and honesty drive everything we do.

See you at NJIRC South.

Matt Rostron
CEO, London Youth Rowing

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