"Pullen" us forwards

If we ever needed proof that Skate-Smart works then take a look at Kirsty Pullen’s  success. 

A  product of the Birmingham Wheels Roller Speed Club’s extended schools programme, Kirsty was a young girl who had never skated before Birmingham Wheels coach, Sharon Tongue, introduced Skate-Smart into her school 3 years ago.  Kirsty showed a natural talent for speed skating and was fast-tracked through the Birmingham Wheels development programme. 

After a few novice Rat Races she became a member of FISS, rapidly rising through the ranks to a point where this year she became British Champion at the 200 metres time trial and setting a new British Record for that distance.  To crown a great season, Kirsty has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Italy starting on the 29th July. 

At only 13 years of age, she is one of the youngest skaters to ever represent GB at these Championships, a great endorsement for the Skate-Smart extended schools programmes and its committed coaches.

"PULLEN"

AWAY

What is SkateSmart?

SkateSmart is a program developed some years ago by the Federation of Inline Speed Skating which has since been adopted by, and is promoted by the BRSF Coach Education Team.

SkateSmart is a 6 hour program of basic roller skating skills delivered through a series of lessons by appropriately qualified coaches, to roller skating newcomers and beginners. These courses are often delivered within the environment of 'After School Clubs' or as a formal PE activity within the school curriculum for Key Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4. SkateSmart can also be delivered in local authority Leisure Centres and similar establishments, where a somewhat more mature clientele can be reached.

Each learner has a personal achievement booklet where progress and successes are recorded and whilst the roller skating skills delivered through SkateSmart are of a generic nature, it is often the case that skaters develop individual natural skills that can then be directed towards appropriate roller disciplines.

SkateSmart in Birmingham

From May 2007 to the end of this summer term (last Friday) 1140 children have passed through our extended schools and PE curriculum, Birmingham Wheels Club Skate-Smart program.

We have worked with children as young as reception class through to Year 10. If the program is delivered in curriculum time, this is usually funded by the school itself and is a 6 week program. Our extended schools program is currently funded by Sport Unlimited (more information) and their criteria is that it has to be run over 10 weeks, which usually equates to 1 term. Both programs usually take place on the school premises. If dry in the playground, if wet in the school hall or sports hall, except in both cases, the final week is run at our skating facility at the Birmingham Wheels Park. This gives us the opportunity to introduce the pupils to our venue, where they can then progress their skating skills as either a competitive speed skater or just come along to our Saturday club as a recreational skater.

BWRSC.net