Jersey Sport skate project boosts kids' confidence

Melissa and her brother Theo have enjoyed new skateboard sessions

Jersey Sport's new project on the east of the island has been backed by parents as having "boosted the confidence" of local children.

The organisation has been running the St Clements Neighbourhood Programme since April and it comes to an end on Friday.

The six-week project saw hundreds of children attend football and skateboarding sessions.

Skateboard Jersey which has helped run the session said it was "about getting kids outside and giving them new skills".

Skateboard Jersey brought small skate ramps for children to learn to skate on

Coral McSweeney's daughter has been going to the sessions at Clos Mourant Estate.

She said "her confidence has been boosted" and "everyone has been enjoying this and it is very appreciated out here".

Ms McSweeney added: "I only live a couple of blocks away and I rarely see opportunities like this here for our children which teaches them to try new things."

She hoped Jersey Sport would be able to continue similar projects in the area now the St Clements Neighbourhood Programme has come to an end.

Coral McSweeney says the project has had a positive impact on the area

Theo and his sister Melissa were some of the children who attended the sessions with Skateboard Jersey.

Theo said "I like to go fast" and next he would like to "go on the big ramps by myself".

Melissa added: "I like going on the ramps because of the speed you can go and I want to keep on skating because it's so fun and the coaches are really nice".

The project has been run in partnership with Jersey Police, Andium Homes, Jersey Youth Service and Skateboard Jersey.

Joel Banks says it is important to give children opportunities like this

Joel Banks is a skate coach at Skateboard Jersey and has been helping run the sessions.

He said "this side of the island sometimes gets neglected" for skate activities and "it's about getting kids outside and giving them new skills".

"It gave me an outlet so if I was frustrated or excited I could go and skate and it doesn't matter what you look like or where you came from – everyone is welcome," he added.

Skateboard Jersey brought mini ramps which were set up in the estate as well as skateboards and safety equipment.

Laura Riley from Jersey Sport hopes there will be more projects like this

The project has been organised by Laura Riley from Jersey Sport to give more opportunities to children outside of St Helier.

She said: "This is the first of hopefully many initiatives we've got. We're trying to reach as many different community groups as possible".

Ms Riley added: "We've been looking at data about to pinpoint where these sessions should be so we're looking at antisocial behaviour and you can really see the impacts from this for the wider community too."