Paddle UK has announced the athletes selected for the GB U23 Training Squad, GB Junior Training Squad and the Paracanoe Academy for the 2027 season. The 2027 season runs from 5 October 2026 to 1 September 2027.

Alongside the Next Generation programme, the GB U23 Training Squad marks a new approach to Paddle UK's support of U23 flatwater athletes. The squad is designed to support a broader group with their development through to senior level, through an annual series of camps and developmental opportunities that bring together the fastest U23 athletes across the UK.

The GB Junior Training Squad continues into its fifth year. Similar to the GB U23 Training Squad, the squad supports junior athletes through an annual series of camps and developmental opportunities, with a large focus on crewboat development. These opportunities are additional and complementary to club provision, bringing together the fastest junior athletes from across the UK.

The Paracanoe Academy offers two levels of support with both levels providing access to coaching and wider support for the paddlers involved. This activity is delivered across Royal Leamington Spa and Holme Pierrepont. These opportunities look to accelerate the development of paddlers and match support to the paddlers development stage.

James Train, Head of Performance Development for canoe sprint and paracanoe, said:

"The creation of the U23 Training Squad has created a consistent progression for paddlers who can now access support in the same way that we have supported junior paddlers over the last five years. The camps and development opportunities provide positive environments to enhance and challenge skills that are developed within paddlers’ home environments.

"The coaching and support delivered through the Paracanoe Academy has consistently developed paddlers who have progressed to international teams over a number of years. It is great to see new paddlers moving into the academy and its linked activity and we are looking forward to seeing their progress.

"Congratulations to all the paddlers for their nominations to the various squads and academies and also to the clubs, coaches and families that support these paddlers each day to progress within the sport."

Read the full list of athletes selected on the Paddle UK website.

Please join us in sending massive congratulations to Hannah Toovey, Rory Strachan and Will Stevely, and everyone else who put themselves forward for selection.

We will be cheering you on every step of the way and can't wait to see what you achieve on the water.