#2 Newcastle University

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The University 

As a founding member of the Russell Group, Newcastle University is a world-class research and teaching university, ranked in the top 150 of the world’s best universities. The University is proud to be ranked in the top 10 in Europe for teaching excellence.  As well as this, they have been awarded Gold status by the UK government in the Teaching Excellence Framework in recognition of the provision of consistently outstanding teaching, learning and graduate outcomes for all students. Newcastle University is consistently highly ranked in the UK for student experience, and the commitment to graduate success is demonstrated by the strong graduate employability record, with  95% of graduates employed within six months.

Ranked as the fourth best city for students, Newcastle is proud to welcome students from 138 countries. The city’s nightlife is famous across the country and provides students with countless ways to unwind.  The university has recently undergone a transformation to meet the needs of all these students. Along with a new £58m Urban sciences building and a £34m teaching and Learning Centre, the new Sports Centre will open on September 21st 2019. It will offer 200 free weights stations, new multipurpose rooms and state of the art sports science facilities.

All undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed University accommodation in their first year of study at the university. The campus is in the heart of the city meaning students are surrounded by culture, world-class arts, music, sport and heritage.

Click here for details on how to apply.

The Boat Club

Located just a 20 minute drive from the university campus, Newcastle University Boat Club’s High Performance Programme is recognised and supported by the GB Rowing Team and funded through the National Lottery. The Boathouse at Newburn provides students with 5km of beautiful water upriver and the ability to row all the way into the city through the toon’s iconic bridges.  

Newcastle University Boat Club prides itself on being an environment that caters for all abilities.  Whether it be World Champions or Novices.  There is no individual greater than the club and as such it is  argued that you will not find a more closely knit squad of athletes anywhere in the country.  This spirit is most on display at BUCS Regatta where the Women’s 1st VIII won Championship Eights and the Lightweight Men swept the Eight, Four and Quad.

With an outstanding alumni network, which has been awarded charitable status, the Blue Star Club sets NUBC apart from any other in the country. The Club works closely with with the students to ensure world class equipment is available to all.

The notoriously tough training programme provides an environment which creates not just BUCS Winners or U23 World Champions but well rounded individuals set up to succeed in the world.

For more information or to discuss joining the club, contact newcastlerowingrecruitment@gmail.com

Coaching

Head Coach

Angelo Savarino, arrived at NUBC in 2005 following three successful years based at Italy’s Paolo D’Aloja National Rowing Centre. Since arriving in Newcastle, his coaching has secured NUBC 3 Henley Royal Regatta wins, numerous head of the river pennants and many championship wins at BUCS Regatta. He has also coached many athletes to the U23 Great Britain team and many Alumni onto the GB senior team. 

Women’s Coach

Alex Leigh, took over the Senior Women role in 2015. Alex is a Newcastle alumnus graduating in 2013, winning BUCS golds and pennants at the Head of The River. Since becoming Women’s coach, the squad has secured multiple Boat Race titles, countless medals at BUCS Regatta, five wins at Henley Women’s Regatta and has also consistently head athletes racing in GB vests.

Assistant Coach

Julian arrived at NUBCin the autumn of 2019, following successful coaching spells at Saratoga RA (USA), Nottingham and Union Rowing Club, ULBC, and St Edwards School, Oxford.

Julian obtained a BSc in Exercise Science from Skidmore College (USA), and an MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University in 2017. He has presented at scientific conferences and published work in the field of rowing and physiology and brings this knowledge to NUBC.

Achievements 

• BUCS Regatta VL 2018 & 2019 and BUCS Head VL 2020
• Prince Albert Challenge Cup Winners 2008, 2014 & 2017
• Five Henley Women’s Regatta wins in the past three years
• Four athletes at 2019 U23 World Championships including two Gold, one Silver
• Winners of the Boat Race of the North since 2015

Facilities

• Hudson Fleet including USPs for both Mens 1st & 2nd VIIIs and Women's 1st VIII with another 2 SP eights each for the men's and women's squads. Boathouse also holds multiple Hudson coxed fours, coxless fours/quads and pairs/doubles that the squads use to trial in.
• Brand new ergo suite
• Sports scholarships and funding available to top athletes up to £10,000
• Access to University Performance Strength and Conditioning. Members are able to gain access to extra features such as sports lectures, group spin bike sessions and physiotherapy.

ANECDOTES FROM PAST AND PRESENT MEMBERS

"Newcastle University is the place to take your rowing to the next level as well as provide you with a degree that sets you apart from everyone else when it comes to applying for jobs. The boat club has given me so many skills that can be transferred outside of rowing, as well as friends for life. It is why I've spent 8yrs here and why I wouldn't go anywhere else."

Kat Bulmer, President

“I chose Newcastle University because of its balance of academic and sporting excellence. I knew that whatever came from my sport, getting a good degree while at university was of paramount importance. I found myself winning an U23 Medal, winning Henley and reaching the standard to join the Senior team. The inspiring coaching I received from Angelo Savarino led me to develop as a person as well as an athlete. I'm incredibly grateful to Newcastle University for getting me to where I am today.”

James Rudkin, Henley Winner and World Bronze Medalist