Brendan Scott to coach rowing ace Felix Oliver at National Time Trials for the Men's under-19 Coxed Eights

St Patricks College and Ballarat City Rowing Club coach Brendan Scott has been named at the helm of the Under-18 Victorian Pathway Eight.

He will lead a team featuring Ballarat Grammar and Ballarat City Rowing Club teenager Felix Oliver, who along with eight others, will compete against some of the best young rowers in the nation.

Speaking with The Courier, team coach Brendan Scott said the event could be a potential stepping stone towards national selection.

"They are not necessarily looking to be selected into the Australian team, but going there as year 11 students will broaden their rowing experience and give them something to take into next season," he said.

"Its about developing young guys who want to get on with the sport of rowing post school."

The nod came as a big surprise for Scott who was hand picked to lead the squad after attending a selection camp. Currently in Melbourne with the crew, the team has been training twice a day, four days a week in preparation for the event.

"They've made a lot of progress in the short space of time and blended really nicely as a crew," he said.

"Its going to be very, very good competition, you've got the best young rowers from around the country."

The stiff competition will be nothing new for Felix Oliver who last year competed in the Australian Titles in March in both the Under-19 single Scull and School Boys coxed Four. Although its his first time working with Oliver, Scott heaped praise on the youngster and lauded his work ethic.

"He's done really well, he is very committed and very dedicated and determined," he said.

While winning is high on the agenda, Scott said he wants the team to enjoy the experience.

"If they can get off the water be happy with the way they've rowed, moved the boat, and improved as rowers then it will be successful," he said.