Skate Gals and Pals Skateboarding and Rollerskating lessons

The project has been completed

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1af5MEoZRkSRrw0pBH37aeCiXGMh0n85u?usp=drive_link 

UPDATE: Exciting news! We’re starting weekly skate lessons at City Mill Skate from this week, June 8th! Two donation based lessons every Saturday: Open Lessons: 10:30-12:00 (Families welcome) BPOC + LGBTQIA+: 12:30-14:00 Just bring yourself and your friends—we've got the equipment and coaches! Roller skaters, please bring your own skates. Also, we're hosting monthly skate meetups at different skateparks! Follow us on socials for updates. Spread the word! 🛼🎉

Follow our page on Eventbrite for more info on upcoming events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/skate-gals-pals-cic-melanin-skate-gals-pals-37469169963

Context:

The City Mill Skatepark project, led by Skate Gals & Pals, aims to deliver three structured skateboarding & rollerskating lessons and one weekly skate meetup to residents of Newham, with a particular focus on underrepresented skaters. In 2023, we have hosted sessions for 300+ from March to September for a minimum donation of £1 per session. Here's a summary of the project's key elements:

Project Beneficiaries: The project significantly benefits the local community by fostering community engagement, youth development, providing a safe recreational space, empowerment, and cultural enrichment. It brings children from diverse backgrounds together, promotes social interaction, nurtures friendships, and enhances neighborhood cohesion. The project empowers children with positive activities, imparts valuable life skills, and changes perceptions of skateboarding & rollerskating as a constructive activity. Whilst skateboarding is still a predominantly male activity, we aim to champion those underrepresented within the sport, POC individuals, LGBTQIA+, kids of marginalised genders and in deprived boroughs, neurodivergent folks as well as elders.

Physical & Mental Health and Exercise: Participants actively engage in physical activities during the coached sessions, contributing to regular exercise and physical development. These sessions enhance balance, coordination, and overall fitness while fostering enthusiasm among participants.

Structured Coaching Sessions: The project conducts weekly coached skate sessions over a six months period, providing participants with structured learning opportunities. Experienced coaches offer personalised feedback, resulting in visible skill improvement.

Passion and Skill Development: Participants demonstrate dedication and eagerness to learn, igniting a passion for skateboarding & rollerskating and facilitating skill enhancement. Progression in executing complex manoeuvres showcases their commitment to mastering the sport.

Personal Growth and Confidence: Coached sessions boost participants' self-confidence and courage as they attempt challenging tricks. Participants exhibit remarkable improvement and a greater willingness to take calculated risks.

Educational and Safety Components: Coached sessions include safety demonstrations and educational discussions on skateboarding principles. Participants gain a better understanding of safety practices and navigate skating responsibly.

Outcomes: The project has resulted in skill progression, community building, holistic education, and changing perceptions of skateboarding. Participants have improved their skateboarding skills, formed a stronger sense of community, and gained valuable life skills.

Timescales and Risks: The project's key milestones include skill development, community engagement, educational workshops, and evaluation. Risks such as delays due to external factors and personnel changes have been addressed. The project is committed to timely execution and responsible fund allocation.

Positive Impact: Collaboration with the Community Neighbourhood team and Community Assembly Working Group has enhanced access, inclusivity, diversity, trust, and sustainability of the project. It has provided access to resources, promoted inclusivity, built trust and credibility, and ensures long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, the City Mill Skatepark project is not just about skateboarding & rollerskating but also about community engagement, youth development, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment in Newham. It has demonstrated significant positive outcomes and benefits for the neighborhood.