The Roche skatepark putting clay village kids on a board for free

A skateboard. A helmet and a set of pads. Five lessons with a coach, then a handful of sessions to practise alone. For a family in the china clay villages, that lot adds up quickly. This year, for a group of local young people, it will not cost a penny.

Roche-based TR7 Skatepark and Imerys have just launched year two of their programme to help local young people get into skateboarding, following a pilot in 2025 that the pair describe as incredibly successful.

What a funded place includes

Imerys has donated £2,500 from its community fund to TR7. The money goes towards the TR7 Mentorship Programme for young people from the china clay villages.

Each funded place includes:

• A pack of five one-to-one skateboarding lessons with a TR7 coach.
• On completion, a TR7 stamp card worth £50, giving free access to five open skate sessions for more independent practice.
• A complete equipment kit from Enuff Skateboards and Rekd Protection, with a skateboard, helmet and pads.

The idea is to remove the financial barriers and help young people build skills, confidence and positive routines through skateboarding, in a safe and welcoming space.

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22 local kids through in the first year

Martina Biquard, co-founder of TR7 Skatepark, said: “We launched this programme last year and managed to put 22 local kids through with funded places. We are delighted to be able to offer spaces again this year.

“We know many young people in this area face barriers to accessing activities like skateboarding. By removing the cost of coaching, equipment and access, we can offer a pathway to improved confidence, routine, and mental wellbeing.”

Why Imerys is backing it again

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to support TR7 again this year. They do amazing work, getting kids into skateboarding and all the benefits that brings in terms of confidence and a sense of belonging.

“The facility is an amazing addition to this area and I hope we can help more local young people access it.”

How to apply for a place

Funded spaces are open now. To apply, contact [email protected].

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