Few aspiring Olympians get the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass from their heroes but young Swanmore rower Charlie Newbold did just that on the waters of the London 2012 venue.

Newbold, who rows for Itchen Imperial Rowing Club, received valuable tips and advice from double Olympic medallists Mark Hunter and Zac Purchase at Eton Dorney Lake as the 18-year-old pursues his own dreams of competing at the highest level.

Hunter and Purchase won lightweight double sculls gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, before adding two world titles on their way to winning Olympic silver four years later in London.

It all came as part of a rowing experience run by the SSE Next Generation programme, which supports 50 young athletes, in conjunction with the charity SportsAid, who have been identified as stars of the future.

And for Newbold, the opportunity to learn from the Olympic stars – as well as offer advice of his own to other the other young athletes present – was one he will savour for many years to come.

“It was brilliant to meet Zac and Mark. They’ve got all the experience to provide that inside knowledge you wouldn’t always get when you’re training,” said Newbold.

“They’ve gone through the motions themselves and the tips they’ve given me will help me to straighten out certain things in my training and help me push on from where I am now.

“The fact that Mark and Zac were funded by SportsAid before going on to win Olympic gold fills me with confidence that I’m heading in the right direction.

“This event lends a different perspective – more of a coaching perspective really and an event like this, it gives you the skills to run something similar in the future.”

Having completed his studies at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, Newbold will now take a gap year before university in order to focus on his rowing aspirations – with a move into the Great Britain Under-23 squad his biggest target at present.

But he admits it wouldn’t be possible without the support of SSE and SportsAid as he looks to follow in the footsteps of programme alumni including cyclist Katie Archibald in winning Olympic gold.

“Being part of the SSE Next Generation scheme is absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“They provide funding and support for the whole year, whatever you need that funding for, whether it’s travel or equipment they support you with it and it really helps take the burden off my parents.

“I think SSE and SportsAid supporting athletes my age is brilliant. Not everyone comes from affluent families and being given that funding can really help people who are struggling. It creates a more equal sporting society, which is important.

“It’s consoling to know you’re doing pretty much the right thing.”

Since 2013, SSE is proud to make a difference to young people, their families and their communities, by investing in the future of sporting talent through the SSE Next Generation scheme. Keep up to date @YourSSE.