Talent pathway created for skateboarders aiming for the next Olympics
Photo: Leo Sharp
Skateboard GB announced today that they will be launching a new initiative to support talented skateboarders aiming to compete for Great Britain in future international competitions.
Skateboard GB was awarded funding via UK Sport’s Progression Investment stream to test, trial and build a pathway that identifies and supports good skateboarders to become even better and achieve success on the World Stage. It is one of seven sports to have received Progression Investment and will play an important role in a wider shift to take a 12-year view of success and kick-start the search for the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic champions.
Earlier this month Sky Brown won a bronze medal for Team GB, when skateboarding made its premiere at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The funding from UK Sport will also be used to support Skateboard GB prepare for the Paris Olympic Games, where it has been announced that skateboarding will feature once again.
Skateboard GB will launch the ‘Pipeline Pilot Project’, starting in September 2021 which will focus on working with four trial skateparks (Hubs) to create and deliver activity, including how to identify talented skaters and gaining knowledge and understanding of what they need to help support them progress.
Each Hub will have its own identity and work with invited local talented skateboarders to offer skateboard sessions, jams and competitions. Skaters will come together and learn with one another, as well as be provided with a support network to develop their skills. The Hubs which will be part of the initial scheme will be BaySixty6 in London, Graystone Action Sports in Manchester, Flo Skatepark in Nottingham and Mount Hawke in Truro.
The future plan will be to use learnings from the ‘Pipeline Pilot Project’ to inform Skateboard GB to develop standards and guidelines for further Hubs involving more Skateboarders.
The project will be led by Lucy Adams, a professional skateboarder and advocate for GB skateboarding. Upon the announcement of the programme Lucy said “It is really exciting to see this project launch, it will provide a great opportunity for the many talented skateboarders across the country to develop and be given the chance to potentially reach the Olympics”.
‘Pipeline Pilot Project’ will launch next month with further details available through the Skateboard GB website.