Budding Olympic rower seals key sponsorship deal with GB squad selection

Great Britain has a glittering history in international rowing, and, based in the sport’s spiritual home of the Thames Valley, 16 year-old Phil Clapp has shown outstanding potential to continue this tradition, accruing an impressive track record during his three years in the sport. Keen to support young sporting talent, Berkshire-based Millgate Homes has signed a deal to sponsor Phil for an initial period of three years.

Just a few weeks after securing the deal, Phil has proven himself once again with a double success – following a win at the Henley Royal Regatta, where his quad team scooped the prestigious Fawley Cup, he has been selected to join the GB quad team in Beijing for the Junior World Championships at the end of July.

Phil started rowing at the age of 13 when one of his teachers suggested that his height would make him well suited to the sport. Based at the Maidenhead Rowing Club and coached by Tom Jost, his natural ability and dedication soon saw him rise through the ranks, securing a place on the British team in summer 2006. The season saw Phil win no less than three gold medals and help to secure GB victories at both the J16 Anglo-French competition and the European Junior Rowing Championships.

The end of the successful year was marked with Phil’s nomination for the BBC Young Sports personality of the Year, in which he was a top 10 finalist. 2007 has so far seen Phil represent GB at the Munich Junior Regatta in May, resulting in a Bronze medal in his single scull event, in addition to his recent success at Henley and selection for the GB squad in Beijing.

This sporting success is backed by an equally impressive academic performance. Alongside his gruelling training schedule, Phil completed his GCSEs in 2006, with results that included 6A* and 2A grades. This year, Phil is studying for AS levels and, following completion of his A levels next year, plans to study Earth Sciences at University whilst continuing to row at U23 level, his ultimate goal being selection for the GB senior rowing squad.

Millgate Homes’ sponsorship will provide Phil with much-needed financial support to help him remain at the top of his game. He says:
“To maintain my fitness and position at this level I need to train six days a week which on top of schoolwork doesn’t leave me much spare time, and certainly doesn’t leave time for a part time job to help fund my rowing - so it’s great to have the support that Millgate have given. It will allow me to attend more training camps and to buy high performance rowing equipment. It will also help a lot with travelling expenses, some of my coach’s expenses and of course towards the large food bill!”

Graeme Simpson, MD of Millgate Homes says:
“As Berkshire’s leading developer, we are a keen supporter of grass roots sports, particularly those involving young people – ability needs to be nurtured in order for our next generation of sporting heroes to reach their full potential. To be able to sponsor such a talented and dedicated athlete as Phil is a real honour. We are delighted to be able to support him as he works toward making his ambition a reality, and look forward to watching his career progress.”

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