Maddy Badcott, an 18-year-old medal-winning member of the GB Rowing Team, joined Aquaterra as a Recreational Assistant for the summer.

 Maddy, who with her doubles partner Abigail Armstrong won a gold and a silver for the Double Scull at the prestigious international Coupe de la Jeunesse rowing regatta in Lucerne in July, is one of the sports stars and future sports stars benefiting from an innovative FANS scheme (Free Access for National Sportspeople) initiated by Aquaterra and Islington Council, providing free access to sporting facilities within the borough.

 The aim of the scheme is to assist talented athletes who live in Islington to achieve their full potential by reducing the financial burden of training costs.

 Maddy has also recently benefited from a £500 grant from Sport Islington, the local voice for voluntary sport in Islington.

 Maddy, who has just completed her A' levels said: "Support from the FANS scheme and Sport Islington has been invaluable. I was delighted to be selected for the Coupe de la Jeunesse. This was the first time we have raced internationally and we were really happy with the results."

 Antony Kildare, Chief Executive of Aquaterra said: "Congratulations to Maddy and the GB Rowing Team! Aquaterra is proud of its involvement in the FANS scheme as it resonates with our core values of making a difference by providing real opportunities for local people to achieve their goals and fulfil their aspirations. We're delighted that Maddy will be joining us as a Recreational Assistant."