SINCE the debut of skateboarding in the 2020 Japan Olympics, the stereotype of the ‘street’ sport has been quashed, and YMCA Action Sports has pioneered all-inclusive skateboarding workshops to run in regional schools.

Powlett River Primary held their first session last week inviting preps to year sixes to get involved, providing the students with experiences beyond the classroom.

Principal of Powlett River Wendy Nichol said with the number of new skateparks being built in South Gippsland and Bass Coast, they thought it would be great to be able to build the confidence and skills of students to try these new facilities.

Qualified coach Brett Royden from YMCA travelled from Melbourne to educate the students on the basic skills and techniques of skateboarding, and he was amazed by the results – “some kids have never been on a skateboard and here they were picking up the skills and challenging themselves.”

Wendy Nichol explained that Powlett River weren’t eligible for the skateboarding program being offered through the Victorian Government’s Positive Start camps and experiences, “so I contacted the YMCA to see what we could apply for.

“Alice Hogan, who is an Action Sports Manager with the YMCA helped me apply for a grant to get a skateboarding coaching session for our school. Our application was successful, and we received two days of skateboarding with professional skateboarders.”

Over the two days students had around 2.5 hours of time learning how to get on a skateboard, how to stand, balance, cruise, skate on a ramp and learn some simple tricks.

“The coaches Brett, Mitch and Elliot were fantastic. They provided all the equipment, skateboards, safety gear, and ramps. They were able to cater for every student, and teacher!”

It was such a success that Wendy hopes to be able to do something each term, whether it be an after-school activity, or a day in the holidays where the school could arrange a time for kids who are interested to meet at one of the skateparks and practice what they have learnt.

The Y Action Sports began delivering the skating sessions to regional or low socio-economic areas last year and have since perfected their lesson model to service schools at a grassroots level with qualified skate coaches.

Operations Manager of Regional Action Sports Matthew Brett said these sessions are a great opportunity for non-traditional sports to be introduced to foundation level, because not all children fall into the traditional sports avenue.

“Skateboarding is forever evolving, and the Olympics certainly brought the street sport into the mainstream eye, showcasing that skateboarding is massively popular and there is direction in the sport.”

Y Action Sports is a non-for-profit organisation who run on partnerships, and school sessions is huge part in what they do – it’s a pathway system, that helps encourage funding for local skate park sessions and help evolve these into street skating competitions, which are run nationally.

For more information on the program visit skatepark.ymca.org.au.