Mercantile Rowing Club will partner with secondary schools to create a Junior Development Squad of eligible U19 athletes with the intent of representing Australia at the Junior World Championships. This squad will be composed of year 11, 12, and recently graduated athletes.
Why row with Mercantile Juniors?
Under 19 athletes with ambitions to compete at the elite international level will have their first opportunity to do so within the Mercantile Junior Development Squad. Early entry to the Australian National Rowing Team provides an invaluable racing experience that can propel and inspire athletes' competitive careers into their university and senior years.
Juniors Pathway
Current Year 10/11 athletes are encouraged to participate in the 2024 Winter Training Program at Mercantile from May-July. Not only will early interaction with high-level coaching and programming enrich athletes’ training leading into their Year 11/12 seasons, it will serve as an engagement point to assist in 2025 squad development. Across the 11 week program, athletes will become immersed in the welcoming high-performance culture and community at Mercantile.
Depending on the situation, secondary school athletes may also elect to continue their training with Mercantile across the summer period in preparation for 2025 racing (as directed by their school-based coaching team).
Mercantile will augment the secondary school rowing experience by offering a transition from school- to club-based training at the conclusion of year-end school regattas (HOSG, HOR, Aus Rowing Champs). By creating a continuous pathway from school-based training to international competition, Mercantile will translate the work put in during the school season into meaningful elite performances.
Aus U19 Eligibility
Athletes must be 18 years of age or younger on 31 December in the year of selection (e.g. in 2024, athletes must be 18 years of age or younger on 31 December 2024). Please refer to the Rowing Australia website for the full nomination and eligibility requirements for national team selection: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/under-19
Aus U19 Nomination
Athletes and coaches must complete the online nomination form found on the Rowing Australia website by 17:00 AEST on the date specified: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/age-group-nomination-form
Join Today Learn more
