Free skateboard sessions for 10 to 17-year-olds are set to get underway at skateparks in Yapton, Felpham and Bersted from February half-term.

The sessions will be run by South Coast Skate Club using funding from the Safer Arun Partnership, with support from Yapton, Bersted, and Felpham Parish Councils.

The first session will kick off at Yapton Skatepark on 18 February 2025, from 2.45 - 4.45pm, then continue until the end of the Easter school holidays in April. There is no need to book a place, just turn up and join in!

Youngsters aged between 10 and 12-years-old will need a parent to stay during the sessions.

Councillor Carol Birch, Chair of the Housing and Wellbeing Committee at Arun District Council, said:

"We are very pleased to be able to offer these sessions to skate enthusiasts of all abilities, including absolute beginners who fancy giving it a try. Skateboarding has become hugely popular and engaging in sessions like these not only helps young people improve their skills and get out in the fresh air, but also to feel part of a community which helps to boost self-esteem.

"As part of the Safer Arun Partnership, the council is delighted to be supporting these sessions funded by a dedicated youth diversionary activities fund grant. So, if you're aged between 10 and 17, come along and give it a go!

Dale Lay, from South Coast Skate Club, said:

"These sessions are developed to help children and young people get involved in a positive activity that not only promotes mental and physical wellbeing but develops safer spaces through connecting children and their families to more experienced users to form strong role models for the next generation. We also support the older skaters who wish to help the next generation through volunteer opportunities that could see them become part of the South Coast Skate Club support network for local people."

For updates, please follow South Coast Skate Club on Facebook or on Instagram at s.c.s.c_worthing.

The dates are below:  

Yapton
18 February (2.45pm to 4.45pm)
25 February (3.45 to 4.45pm)
4 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
11 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
18 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
25 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
1 April (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
8 April (2.45pm to 4.45pm)
15 April (2.45pm to 4.45pm)

Felpham
19 February (2.45pm to 4.45pm)
26 February (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
5 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
12 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
19 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
26 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
2 April (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
9 April (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
16 April (3.45pm to 4.45pm)

Bersted
21 February (2.45pm to 4.45pm)
28 February (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
7 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
14 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
21 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
28 March (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
4 April (3.45pm to 4.45pm)
11 April (2.45pm to 4.45pm)
18 April (2.45pm to 4.45pm)