Further evidence of progress off the water

It's the 5th week of the season and I'm on leave. For the first time in 2 years I can take some time off during term time without fear of training stopping.
Why?
Because the club members, led by Novice Manager Jonny Crean and Captain Joe Kearney are rising to the challenge and taking the programme forward. The club now has a novice programme run entirely by students. Aside from attending the introductory talk I have had no contact with this group yet. I have provided some support with regard to planning sessions but otherwise my time has been spent on club development and working directly with the Seniors.
The Seniors now have an assistant coach, Gavin Sheehan which means that not only is it possible to take a step away from the occasional session but also it is possible to bounce thoughts and ideas off another coach.

In the Summer the club's success at the Irish Rowing Championships received much praise from past members and observers, this was and is deserved. However the developments that lead to me being able to step away from the club today for several days are equally important. Progress is not simply a case of travelling faster across the water, progress is the club travelling forward, sustainable, growing and learning.