HEAD COACH

adrian.roberts@nottingham.ac.uk

Adrian (Ade) Roberts started his coaching career right here at UoNBC after graduating from the University. During his time Ade became the head women’s squad coach where they equalled the course record for University Women’s 8’s at Henley Women’s Regatta, a record which stood for 21 years.

Ade soon moved on to become the Head Coach at Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association (NCRA) and then Nottingham Rowing Club’s (NRC) High-Performance Programme, under his leadership, it gained GB High-Performance Programme status.

In 2009 Ade became a High-Performance Coach for the senior GB rowing team during which time he coached the women’s squad, most notably the W4x which in 2010 gained a gold medal at the Senior World Rowing Championships and 4th at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Between 2013 and 2017 Ade continued his work as a High-Performance Coach working with GB Rowing Team Juniors including being a ‘Link Coach’ to University High-Performance Programmes, primarily Newcastle University. In 2017 Ade became the lead coach for the GB Junior rowing team during which time he lead them to achieve their best-ever results.

Ade has a wealth of experience coaching crews at all levels, right up to the top where his crews regularly achieved medals at Senior, U23 and Junior World Championships from 1996 to 2018. He is really excited to help drive the club forwards over the coming years.

LEAD SENIOR WOMEN’S COACH

Pete Boyes completed three degrees at the University of Nottingham while rowing and then transitioning to coaching. As an athlete he competed regularly as a top member of the Performance Men’s Squad, placing in the finals of Championship Pairs and Coxless Fours at BUCS Regatta, qualifying for the Silver Goblets (2-) and Temple (8+) at Henley Royal Regatta, representation for England at HIR, and 3rd place at the Kunming Lake International University Regatta (8+).

Receiving recognition for his services to sport and the student experience with multiple awards over his five-year tenure as President of the club, he took on the role of Lead Intermediate Coach, then stepped up as Interim Head Coach in 2022. During this time, he coached crews to medals at the Metropolitan Regatta and oversaw one of the largest recent Henley Royal Regatta entries with 5 crews, 4 of which qualified, making UoNBC one of only 9 Universities to qualify 4 or more crews that season.

Under a new Head Coach, Pete transitioned to the role of Lead Senior Women’s Coach for the 2022-23 season and joined the British Rowing Performance Coach Development Programme. Since then he has coached crews to success at national and international competitions, notably representation and medals at EUSA, Home Internationals, BUCS Head and Regatta, and multiple qualifications for Henley Royal Regatta.

He also serves in a number of volunteer roles within the sport, as Secretary to the East Midlands Regional Rowing Council, and Deputy Chair and Entries Secretary on the Organising Committee for the British Rowing Club Championships.

LEAD SENIOR MEN’S COACH

Emil Ghattas serves as the Lead Coach of the Senior Men’s Squad at the University of Nottingham Boat Club (UoNBC), where he combines his passion for rowing with his commitment to athlete development and teamwork. Emil’s journey in rowing began at secondary school and the sport has been central to his life ever since. As  an athlete, he represented Great Britain at the 2019 Coupe de la Jeunesse, winning  gold and silver medals in the Men’s 4+,  

During his time as a student, Emil was a member of the University of  Nottingham Senior Squad. He has also competed regularly in many top tier events  including Henley Royal Regatta where he raced in the Britannia, Temple, and Visitors Challenge Cups. Following an injury that ended his competitive career, Emil  transitioned to coaching, where he has been able to combine his own experience  with a drive to help others succeed.  

Emil has successfully led the Senior Men’s Eight through Henley Royal Regatta qualifiers in two consecutive seasons, showcasing his leadership and ability to bring out the best in his athletes. 

Emil has recently been accepted onto the British Rowing Performance Coach  Development Programme, where he will have the opportunity to learn from leading  coaches in the sport as he develops his technical expertise. In addition to his work at  UoNBC, Emil also serves as a volunteer Lead Coach (Seniors) for England Rowing.  This role involves a presence at key rowing events, identifying talented athletes for  the trials process and providing coaching for crews preparing for the Home  International Rowing Regatta (HIRR).