Free indoor training for local youngsters

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 20 January 2010)

Young people who’d like to try out skateboarding and roller blading or improve their existing skills are being invited to take part in some free training events.

The indoor coaching sessions will be held this Saturday (23 January) and Saturday, 30 January, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm at The Sands Centre.

The events have been organised by Carlisle City Council and will be open to all ages and abilities, although anyone aged 13 years old or younger will need adult supervision. Safety equipment will be available and all coaching will be provided by professional skating experts.

Free ‘Beginners Guide to Skateboarding’ DVDs and Skate Park calendars, both produced by the SoC (Skaters of Carlisle) group will also be handed out at the events (calendars at this Saturday’s event and DVDs at the Saturday, 30 January event).

The calendars have been produced to raise the profile of skating, blading and BMX-ing and have been sent to local councillors’ and politicians. Copies are also available at the S4 shop on Lonsdale Street, for a small donation.

The high quality design includes spectacular photography by University of Cumbria graduate and keen blader and skate park user, David Holbrook .The calendar ‘models’ are skaters who use the Devonshire Walk skate park and captures them showing off their skating skills.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

“The calendar, DVD and indoor coaching sessions all help to raise the profile of the skate park and its users. The Sands Centre events will be the first time we’ve held indoor training and I’m sure they’ll attract a lot of interest from local young people.”

SoC is a group that wants to raise the profile of skateboarding, blading and BMX-ing and get better facilities for all of us to ride on throughout the year. Adam Allinson (SoC) founder member said:

“These sessions are to make sure that beginner skaters get some support to keep going, and for more experienced skaters to pass on what they have learned. On the outdoor park we all give each other tips to get better, and practicing together helps us improve. Hopefully we’ll be able to all get better over the next few weeks!”