New approach to supporting UK skateboarding launched

A partnership between Skateboard GB and Subway is leading the way in creating more opportunities for people to skate, helping provide spaces for beginners through to building facilities for potential Olympians.

Over the last year the partnership has provided funding and expertise for projects in Bournbrook, Birmingham, Newham and Sheffield. Unlike many skateparks which are built, these projects work to support local communities to create the facilities, and also help activate the areas with skate jams, lessons and competitions.

Last weekend an opening event at The House Skatepark in Sheffield unveiled a new set of obstacles which will provide skateboarders on the GB talent pathway with a place to train for competing in international competitions. It will become one of the most relevant features for budding Olympians and will help develop future skateboarding talent.

The skate space in Newham, London has been through a transformation to create concrete and steel skateable structures in the location, making way for a new skateable sculpture garden. The area was then activated with an event which was attended by local families and included lessons for local children to learn how to use the obstacles. Over the next few years, Tom and the team plan to install a new feature every 6 months as part of the ongoing growth to the skate space.

In Birmingham the first ever DIY skatepark to be granted official skatepark status was given an uplift by the partnership, by supporting on the build of the extension to the space and providing users with more features to skate. The Subway partnership supported on the event. Over 250 people attended the Birmingham launch event, supported by Subway, to celebrate the new skatepark extension. While earlier this year a number of youngsters, not in education or training were given the opportunity to learn skatepark joinery skills in building a skate ramp. This was then used at the B-side Festival over the summer. The ramp will also be used in schools around the city, to give hundreds of children the opportunity to try skateboarding.

Skateboard GB and Subway are dedicated to growing UK skateboarding into 2026, with plans for numerous community and elite-level projects. By creating inspiring new skate spaces and training facilities, this partnership is opening doors for thousands of people to try, enjoy, and progress in skateboarding, ultimately building a stronger future for the sport, from local skate parks to those which will enable those on an Olympic stage.