The similarities between football and rowing are few and far between but even young Taunton footballer Emily Syme was inspired as she took to the water alongside two Olympic champions.

Syme, who last season played for Bristol City Women, received valuable tips and advice on all aspects of sporting life from double Olympic medallists Mark Hunter and Zac Purchase at Eton Dorney Lake – the rowing venue at London 2012.

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 17-year-old Syme, who plays as a central midfielder, the opportunity to try a new sport was an experience she won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

“Mark and Zac were so friendly and they were both really supportive of us not being amazing rowers!” she said. “It was a great experience to come out and learn a new skill.

“I spoke to a few of the other athletes and they were all really lovely. Everyone understands the pressures and the sacrifices you have to make once you reach a high level in your sport.

“It was really interesting to see how different it is in other sports as well, compared to football.

“I’ve learnt so much about other sports and a lot about the diet and nutrition of elite athletes and how they train, as well as their commitment to their sports. It’s been really inspiring.

“It was my first time in a rowing boat – I’m not sure if I’ve got it mastered quite just yet! My coordination wasn’t up to scratch, but it was really fun on the lake.”

Currently training alongside the boys’ team at Richard Huish College, Syme’s sport involves travelling up and down the country every week – with a lot of help from the bank of mum and dad.

But Syme admits a lot wouldn’t be possible without the help and support from the SSE, and having travelled to the Netherlands with the programme for the Women’s European Championships this summer, she relishes the memorable opportunities they continue to offer.

“Being an SSE Next Generation athlete so far has been absolutely amazing. I’ve been on several experiences with them – this is my second one. I’ve learnt so much and done so much that I wouldn’t have been able to if I hadn’t been supported by them,” she said.

“The biggest benefit on being on the programme is definitely meeting the other athletes, because you never really get to see anyone outside your sport when you’re training.

“It was incredible meeting Mark and Zac. It’s not every day that you get to meet an Olympic champion. Meeting them and hearing about their experiences on how they’ve got to the top of their sport has really inspired me to get to the top of mine.”

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.