Youth Program
Eligibility
This program is open to youth in the Souhegan Valley region, grades 9-12. No try-outs or experience are required.
There are limited spaces for 8th graders who would like to learn about rowing, with the possibility of joining the racing team in the spring, following a coach’s assessment of readiness.
2025 Spring Racing Season
Schedule:
Dates: 3/17/25 - 5/24/25
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3:30-5:45 PM
Saturday 7:30-9:30 AM or 9:30-11:45 AM (once water practice starts in April)
Location:
Land practice is held at Souhegan High School.
Water practice is at the Amherst Town Beach on Baboosic Lake.
Racing Season Requirements:
Attendance:
Attendance at all practices are required, with several exceptions:
- Attendance Policy
- Athletes may take a week off following the close of a winter sport before joining crew practice.
- Illness/school absence (must be reported at bit.ly/souhegancrew)
- Drivers Ed hours can NOT be accommodated during the racing season.
USRowing Membership:
An active Basic membership and signed waiver with USRowing is required ($20/$25 per year). Athletes will not be allowed to participate in practice without an active membership and signed waiver. This must be signed by a parent if the athlete is under 18.
This is only required if the athlete is a new member or the athlete's membership has expired.
If you need help with the membership, please follow these instructions.
CLOTHING:
The only uniform required for the racing season is a racing jersey ($40), available on the JL Team Store website (when open), and black bottoms.
Black tight-fitting bottoms (aka trou) can also be purchased from JL, or at other sports stores (e.g. compression shorts from Under Armour). Alternatively, a uni can be purchased from JL, which includes both top and botto/m.
For practice, the athlete will require good-fitting, high-quality running shoes and appropriate outdoor fitness clothing (not cotton!). We row in the rain, snow, wind, cold and heat! We get it all.
PHysician Form:
Each year, each athlete must submit a form signed by their medical care professional stating the athlete is physically capable of training and competing with no restrictions.
The athlete’s school sport form may be substituted if they already have that.
SWIMMING ABILITY:
To participate in the racing season and go on the water, all rowers must be able to swim 100 yards, tread water for 10 minutes, and put on a life jacket while treading water.
If there are concerns about swimming ability, please let us know. This will not preclude participation in crew! We just need to keep athletes safe.
Note: All rowers, regardless of swimming ability, will be required to wear a small belt-style inflatable PFD on the water.
TRANSPORTATION:
The club does not provide transportation to practice or regattas. Rowers are responsible for their own transportation to water practices and races, though there are carpooling opportunities.
Reference Documents:
Boat Selection Criteria
(Everyone rows, everyone races!)