An ‘amazing’ after-school skateboarding club is off to a flying start

An after-school skateboarding club funded by the Opening School Facilities fund at Littlehampton Academy has made a flying start.

The academy joined the Sussex Opening School Facilities fund in June, with Head of PE Mr Devo quick to identify gaps in opportunities for children from a combination of youth voice and insight.

Through local connections, he found a skateboarding company ‘BoardAF’ who were keen to expand their offer in schools. 

One pupil said of the club: “Skateboard club is a fun and heart beating sport that will get you active and excited with skating along the floor or for more advanced people ramps, Ollie jumps and kickflips and for more advanced people there are teachers around to help whenever in need of them. 

“In this club you have a chance to get to know completely new people and get to show off your skater skills to everyone else.”

Another pupil added: “Skateboarding club is amazing, I’ve learnt so much and it has built my confidence over the past couple of months!”

While a third student said: “Skateboarding has been an amazing adventure for me, I can now do a lot more tricks.”

Mr Devo ordered portable mini ramps, a rail, a quarter pipe, boards, helmets and pads, all with the guidance of the lead coach Mark. 

Mark now comes in weekly to run sessions, and will even be inviting the group back to his indoor skate school. 

The sessions target students that wouldn’t normally attend after school clubs, and are supported by other students that already skate and have been keen to share their skills. 

One bonus of the project is finding a maths teacher (pictured ready to jump a ramp) who was keen to support the sessions alongside Mark and the leaders.