Local MP hails pioneering Foundation programme empowering young women

A pioneering new programme from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, inspiring young women in Enfield to build confidence, creativity and resilience, was visited by local MP Feryal Clark today.

This Girl Can Skate is a 12-week programme combining skateboarding and creative workshops, aimed at secondary schoolgirls who may be at risk of disengaging from education.

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

Girls at Oasis Academy Enfield took part in their final session today. A community skate jam – designed and hosted by some of the 160 girls who are taking part across eight schools – is to follow.

Ms Clark said: “It’s fantastic! Some of the girls have never had a chance to skate and I’m absolutely delighted Spurs Foundation, along with partners, are providing this opportunity. It’s incredibly important to introduce young people to a variety of skillsets. I’ve had a go on a board myself and it’s not as easy as it looks, so the girls have clearly learnt a lot and built their confidence, whilst having lots of fun.”

One of those who demonstrated how to skateboard for Ms Clark was 14-year-old Joyce, who is now hoping to continue the activity.

She said: “Over the course of the programme, we’ve learnt the basics, then some tricks and gradually we’ve gotten to the point where we can cruise around. It’s brought something different to our curriculum – it’s been exciting and fun!”

Each workshop runs for one hour during school time and is supported by a holistic wellbeing approach to help participants build resilience and promote positive mental health.

Hane Alaya, assistant principal, said: “At the start, the girls were nervous to try getting on a board, but they’ve enjoyed it and they’re really confident now. Outside of the sessions, we’ve definitely seen them be more willing to put themselves forwards for other opportunities. Initiatives like this are really important for us because a lot of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and having people come in to work with them is amazing for their development.”

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: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress these young women have made through This Girl Can Skate. By combining physical activity with creativity and wellbeing support, the programme creates a safe space for girls to express themselves, try something new and grow in confidence. Seeing their enthusiasm and ambition shows just how powerful opportunities like this can be.”