Budding young rowers have been given the opportunity to be part of a new programme launched by Molesey Rowing Club.

Development coach Ed Green invited 34 boys, aged 14 and 15, from local schools for the Junior Giants programme’s first session on May 16.

Mr Green has been involved with the club since July 2007 and wants to create competitive crews from the rowing hopefuls.

He said: “It will be hard work but the main point is that these boys want to put the time in and want to take part.”

Out of the 34 tested on physical capability, rather than rowing skills, 13 will return to the programme and Mr Green plans to test others as well.

Boys were invited from schools local to the area and some were even spotted from schools in Kingston and Richmond.

The junior giants will train two to three times a week until July and then five or six days a week for a couple of hours, starting on September 1.

Mr Green said: “The thing about rowing is that it sometimes has a reputation as being a difficult sport to get into but this is a good opportunity for youngsters to get involved.”

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