Dame Allan’s Schools, based in Fenham, Newcastle, has introduced a new rowing programme under the leadership of coach and former competitive rower, Faye Mileham.
The programme aims to transform young novices into future champions while promoting teamwork, resilience, and healthy competition.
The school has partnered with Tyne United Rowing Club (TURC) to provide pupils with access to top-notch facilities, expert coaching, and a vibrant rowing community.
Ms Mileham, who joined as head of rowing in September, said: “We’re focused on developing a rowing club that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and inspires pupils to excel.
“The collaboration with Tyne United complements our vision, providing access to excellent facilities and expertise as we establish a strong foundation for rowing at the school.”
The rowing programme is integrated into both the curriculum and co-curricular activities, ensuring inclusivity and encouraging broad participation in the sport.
From Year 9, pupils can participate in five weekly sessions, including early-morning ergometer workouts, lunchtime groups, after-school water training at TURC, and gym-based strength and conditioning.
Winter training includes sessions in Tyne United’s state-of-the-art rowing tank, which replicates on-water conditions.
Ms Mileham said: “The rowing tank is invaluable for refining technique and ensuring consistent training, whatever the weather.”
The school has also invested in 25 ergometers, a new quadruple scull boat, and blades, enabling pupils to train year-round.
Ms Mileham is focused on elevating the school’s standing within the Northern rowing community.
The club will compete in its first friendly indoor competition against St Peter’s, York, in the Spring term and aims to collaborate with schools and clubs across the region, including Durham and Yarm.
She added: “The North East has incredible potential in rowing, but it’s often overlooked compared to London and the South East.
“I want Dame Allan’s to help change that perception.”
Ms Mileham brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role.
Having discovered rowing as a teenager, she competed at the Kent School Games and the National Junior Indoor Rowing Competition before joining Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club at 15.
She later rowed for Newcastle University while studying Sports Science and coached junior rowers at Tyne United and novice rowers at Newcastle University.
A two-year coaching internship at Hartpury University honed her skills in elite sports performance.
She said: “Hartpury taught me what it takes to excel at the highest level.
“Both athletes and coaches need to understand how their actions drive collective success.”
At Dame Allan’s, Ms Mileham combines her expertise with an inclusive ethos, integrating rowing into the Year 9 PE curriculum and offering indoor rowing clubs for younger pupils.
Plans are underway to affiliate with British Rowing, further enhancing opportunities for competition and development.
