Craig Hoffman, executive director of Conshohocken Rowing Centre, said he was proud to host the upcoming hopefuls at the 15,000-square-foot facility in Pennsylvania.

"This is the American dream," he said.

"It takes a lot of time and physical strength to do what they do, but it takes a lot of mental strength and focus, too, and a sense of well-being is every bit as important as physical strength to their success.

"Mental preparation is key.

"Athletes will carry the same problems they had as adolescents all the way to the Olympics if they don't have the psychological support they need to overcome their issues early on and as problems arise."

This club is 13 miles northwest of Philadelphia and regularly invites college coaches for recruitment of local athletes.

Hoffman, who will be involved in the programme, was named the United States Olympic Committee Development Coach of the Year in 2004.

Selected college rowers are to spend the period from June to August training at the facility and competing in American and Canadian regattas.

Athletes are responsible for their room, board and transportation while there. 

They will receive full-time coaching, all entry fees are paid, as are the programme fees for the Conshohocken Rowing Centre.

Expenses are paid while competing for the US internationally too.

This means the first set of rowers accepted will likely be between the ages of 25 and 28 by the time of their home Games.