ONE of Newcastle’s most historic independent schools has launched its own rowing club under the leadership of accomplished coach and former competitive rower, Faye Mileham.
Dame Allan’s Schools has introduced a dynamic new rowing programme to transform young novices into future champions, while fostering a spirit of teamwork, resilience and healthy competition.
The Fenham-based school has forged a strong partnership with Tyne United Rowing Club (TURC) to provide pupils access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert coaching and a thriving rowing community.
“We’re focused on developing a rowing club that nurtures talent, builds confidence and inspires pupils to excel,” says Faye, who joined as Head of Rowing in September.
“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.”
Dame Allan’s rowing programme offers a structured approach through both the curriculum and co-curricular activities, ensuring inclusivity and encouraging broad participation in the sport. From Year 9, pupils can train in five weekly sessions that include early-morning ergometer workouts, lunchtime groups, after-school water training at TURC and gym-based strength and conditioning. Winter training features sessions in Tyne United’s state-of-the-art rowing tank, which replicates on-water conditions.
“The rowing tank is invaluable for refining technique and ensuring consistent training, whatever the weather,” explains Faye.
The school has also invested in 25 ergometers, a new quadruple scull boat and blades, enabling pupils to train year-round.
Faye 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.
“The North East has incredible potential in rowing, but it’s often overlooked compared to London and the South East,” says Faye.
“I want Dame Allan’s to help change that perception.”
Faye 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.
“Hartpury taught me what it takes to excel at the highest level,” she says.
“Both athletes and coaches need to understand how their actions drive collective success.”
At Dame Allan’s, Faye combines her expertise with an inclusive ethos, integrating rowing into the Year 9 PE curriculum and offering indoor rowing clubs for younger pupils.
“We’ve got a lot of tall, strong pupils… perfect for rowing!” she jokes, noting that some Year 9 pupils are already achieving competitive split times.
Looking ahead, Faye envisions Dame Allan’s becoming a regional powerhouse, achieving medals at major events and producing national-level athletes. Plans are underway to affiliate with British Rowing, further enhancing opportunities for competition and development.
“Rowing is more than a sport, it builds resilience, teamwork and discipline,” Faye concludes.
“At Dame Allan’s, we’re not just developing athletes; we’re shaping confident, capable young people who can take these lessons far beyond the water.”
