As we step into the start of 2022, it’s time to look back over the last 12 months with this annual round up from John Cattle’s Skate Club – a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based on the Isle of Wight. Ed
This time last year we had all received the news that we were in Tier 4 and heading back into lockdown for the New Year.
John Cattle explains how the last 12 months have impacted their not-for-profit, community skateboard club.
“2021 marked the tenth year of me officially teaching skateboarding as a profession, and I hoped we’d be able to celebrate that in some way, but instead we started this year with over 14 weeks of lockdown and restrictions preventing our usual service.
“To say we were concerned was an understatement. We had managed to get through 2020, but the ongoing uncertainty for a small non-profit like ours was a real worry.”
Almost 8,000 bookings
John went on to add,
“Not only have we made it through, we have actually run more skateboard lessons than ever before, despite the closures.
“In total we have had close to 8,000 bookings, male, female, all ages from toddlers to 60+ years, and all abilities.
“It has been truly awesome.”
Positive impact on mental and physical health
Anyone who skateboards is well aware of the positive impact it can have on physical and mental health, but for beginners or parents of beginners, the advantages come as a welcome surprise.
John explains,
“We are very lucky to often get nice comments and great feedback, but this year we have received more messages than ever from people who are telling us how being part of the club has had a positive impact on their or their children’s, mental and physical health.
“The lockdowns and the pandemic has had a huge effect and people are looking for ways to get healthy and happy. It has been a privilege to be able to bring skateboarding to people and see them get to love it as much as we do.”
382 hours of educational provision to SEN children
Zoe Thompson, Skate Club Director goes onto say,
“We have a fantastic team at skate club, and they have worked exceptionally hard this year to deliver really high standard coaching.
“As well as our weekly timetabled lessons, we have worked with ten different schools, and also delivered 382 hours of educational provision to SEN children.
“It has been great that even under really difficult circumstances, schools, Isle of Wight Council and other organisations have seen the benefits that come with skateboarding and the work that we do.”
Award-winners
Back in November, John Cattle’s Skate Club won the Red Funnel, Isle of Wight Award for Best Activity Provider for the second year in a row, John said,
“Winning at things like that is always nice, but to win during both ‘pandemic years’ is extra special.
“The whole team appreciate the recognition, it means a lot.”
An Olympic year
The summer Tokyo Olympics included skateboarding for the first time, and with Sky Brown winning Bronze for Great Britain at the age of 13, was an inspiration to many.
John adds,
“Sky has recently won Young Sports Personality of the Year; I think most skaters of my generation would have never believed that could ever be a thing. When I was skating at that age, we were considered a menace! Over the years there have been a lot of stereotypes associated with skateboarding, but I think in the last couple of years we can clearly see a very different skate scene.
“It’s just as awesome, but now we have a park filled with girls, (close to 40 per cent of our skate club bookings are for females), and adults from all backgrounds, teachers, nurses, accountants. Skateboarding is for anyone.”
‘The JCSC Development Squad’
As part of the expansion of what we are doing at skate club we have introduced ‘The JCSC Development Squad’ – this is made up of 15 skaters from 7-17yrs, who have a particular talent in the sport.
With sponsorship from Wightlink and help with funding this year from the Allianz Sports Fund, we have been able to take this group off the Island to further increase their skating experiences and skills. It is super fun, and great to be able to provide these opportunities.
Thank you
We really want to say Thank you to the Island community for all the support, to everyone who comes along to our sessions and also to those who don’t skate, but still see the benefits.
We’re excited about the year ahead, we have a number of exciting projects planned, none of which would be possible without our awesome team and everyone who is part of what we do.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, skate-filled 2022.
Find out more
To find our more about John Cattle’s Skate Club visit social media accounts:
