Foundation launches This Girl Can Skate programme

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has officially launched a pioneering new programme across Enfield schools to inspire teenage girls to build their confidence and unleash their creativity.

This Girl Can Skate offers 12 weeks of skateboarding and creative workshops designed for girls at risk of disengaging from school life.

It is run in partnership with Enfield Council’s public health team, funded by the London Marathon Foundation and delivered by Everybody on Boards.

A demonstration took place at St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls today, with 14-year-old Jade among those taking part.

She said: “I’ve enjoyed the programme a lot so far, as something new to do that gets you out of your comfort zone. When I started, I was really scared of getting onto the skateboard – I didn’t know if I’d fall and hurt myself. But gradually, I started learning new skills and now I don’t feel embarrassed to fall off – I just laugh it off and get back up.

“I think this translates to situations in life, so when you’ve made mistakes, get back up, persevere and go again.

“The programme’s also made me more energetic and more sociable as I share what I’ve done with my classmates. I think I’m going to carry on skateboarding after the programme.”

Around 160 girls across eight Enfield schools will learn skateboarding basics whilst also participating in creative sessions focusing on design, event planning and self-expression. Each workshop runs for one hour during school time, with added holistic wellbeing support to build resilience and promote positive mental health.

The initiative will culminate in spring 2026, when participants will plan and host a community skate jam, showcasing their skills and what they have learnt throughout the course.

This Girl Can Skate builds on the Foundation’s work to empower secondary schoolchildren at risk of not reaching their potential, with its delivery of the Premier League Inspires programme – using the power of football to help develop personal skills and positive attitudes – having engaged 950 young people across 38 schools since it launched in 2019.

Simon Wears, Foundation health and wellbeing manager, said: “This Girl Can Skate is about far more than learning to skateboard — it’s about giving girls a safe, supportive space to discover what they’re capable of. We’ve seen just how quickly confidence grows when young people are encouraged to try something new and express themselves creatively. Our aim is to empower these girls with skills, resilience and belief that stays with them long after the programme ends.”

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, cabinet member for public health, said: “It is fantastic to see how ‘This Girl Can Skate’ is inspiring young women across our borough. This innovative programme not only introduces girls to new physical skills but also helps boost their self-confidence, wellbeing and creativity. Enfield Council is committed to tackling health inequalities and ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities that help them thrive—both in and out of school.”