Junior Performance Pathway

The Mercantile Junior Performance Pathway is our club-wide strategy to create opportunities for junior athletes to discover, explore, and excel in the exciting world of high-performance rowing.

The Junior Performance Pathway was created as our response to the mandate set by Rowing Australia that high-performance clubs assist and facilitate junior athlete development programs. Mercantile intends to not only respond to this mandate, but to actively shape the future of Australian junior rowing with the introduction of this strategy.

The Pathway is comprised of two squad-based programs, each with their own unique yet unified set of goals and purposes:

The Junior Development Program
The Junior Performance Program

The Junior Development Program (JDP)

The Junior Development Program is the beginning of our pathway for aspiring athletes, ages 18 years or younger, to discover and excel in the sport of rowing. This program is designed for junior athletes from all sporting backgrounds, and prior rowing experience is not a prerequisite. We welcome talented athletes from both schools with and without rowing programs to join this squad

The Junior Development Program operates year-round with up to six training sessions per week. Training includes on-water rowing, weights, and ergometer sessions, and athletes will compete in local regattas. The only difference between our club and others is that we have a clear pipeline into international competitions and will provide you with the opportunity to train in a high-performance environment.

The ultimate goal of the Junior Development Program is to prepare athletes for the Junior Performance Program.

The Junior Performance Program (JPP)

The Junior Performance Program is our premier squad for talented junior athletes to reach their full potential on the international stage. The program is complementary to school rowing and is designed to enhance an athlete’s training without overloading.

The JPP’s purpose is to connect with talented junior rowers early and supercharge their development toward the world stage. Through personalized athlete plans and a focus on the Rowing Australia technical model, the program offers unparalleled access to Mercantile's high-performance coaches and resources.

JPP athletes are ambitious, talented, and mature. They are dedicated to pursuing rowing at the highest level and have the drive to take on challenges with confidence and autonomy. This squad bridges the gap between our foundational Junior Development Program and our elite youth and senior high-performance squads.

Athletes in the JPP will work towards selection to higher-level squads and international competitions. Athletes who meet key performance standards set by the club, Rowing Victoria, and Rowing Australia may have the opportunity to compete at prestigious events like the State Pathway Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and the U19 World Rowing Championships.

The JPP commitment is to offer a clear path for talented juniors to achieve their goals and become the next generation of champions.

Want to get involved?

If you are interested in getting involved with the Mercantile Junior Performance Pathway, please complete an expression of interest form using the buttons below, or reach out to our Lead Junior Development Coach, Susie Franklin, or Head Coach, Scott Rowe to learn more.

Expression of Interest Forms

Junior Development EOI Junior Performance EOI

Contact Us

Contact Susie Contact Scott