JERSEY’S artistic-roller-skating community has huge concerns for their future, with issues of limited facilities and unsuitable flooring “holding back” the sport.
It’s often said this Island punches above its weight in the sporting world, and that sentiment is especially pertinent to artistic roller skating, as the local athletes have reached some of the sport’s highest peaks.
However, with Oakfield Sports Centre’s new “spongier and softer” floor considered completely unsuitable for roller skating – and their floor at Les Quennevais “coming to the end of its life” – worries are rising that Regent Skating Club could be left without a home, halting the club in its tracks.
“The space we have at Les Quennevais is really good and we’re very grateful to have it, but sadly it’s now the only facility for us,” said Sasha Baker, head coach of Regent Skating Club.
“Oakfield would have been perfect, but the spongier flooring they installed is completely unsuitable for roller skating, as the wheels sink into the floor. It’s a real shame, especially since we were in discussion with consultants – specifically, Knight, Kavanagh & Page Ltd – for about 18 months during the development. We even got as far as discussing floor plans and timetables.
“The club knows the floors in Les Quennevais’ sports hall need to be redone soon, after being told the floors were coming to the end of their life last year. So, with this spongier flooring they’re installing in the new developments, we’re all very nervous to lose the only floor we have.”
Artistic roller skating may seem a niche activity from an outsider’s point of view, but the sport is on the rise, with growing memberships and full classes showing high demand.
With Regent Skating Club’s current membership tallying up to around 70 skaters across all age groups, as well as a waiting list of around 40 children eager to get out on the rink, it’s clear that the demand is there.
From the sport’s growth locally, huge talent and ability has blossomed, as Jersey’s athletes have already accomplished so much in competition. With consistent GB call-ups and regular appearances at international events being achieved already with the current facilities, it must make one question what’s possible.
Stand-outs include former age-category British champion Libby Watts and Team GB selects Sophie Baker, Hannah Lamy and Jack Ovens, all of which compete in some of the world’s biggest competitions while being a part of Jersey Sport’s Performance Sport Programme.
The effects of Les Quennevais’ limited space are certainly felt in competition, as Baker went on to say: “Les Quennevais’ hall is about half the size of competition-standard rinks, so that means our skaters have to practice their routines in pieces, then put it together on the day. This immediately adds pressure to our athletes and puts them on the back foot.”
Considering the sport’s competitive demands, Sasha Baker and Regent Skating Club believe the Island is crying out for a bigger multi-sport hall/rink space with a hard floor, allowing artistic roller skating to grow to its full potential while also aiding other sports.
“The current situation we have is really holding us back and restricting the sport’s growth. Understandably – as it’s a multi-sport facility – we can’t obtain any more hours at Les Quennevais, so I have 40 kids on the waiting list who can’t get started at the moment – that’s 40 kids who could be getting active,” Baker continued.
“So, we need a bigger rink to allow ourselves a better space to prepare for competitions, while also allowing more to get involved and make their start in skating. A bigger space would impact the entire club, not just the elite squad.
“There’s a large demand for a facility like this, and it wouldn’t only just be for skating, as there are quite a few sports and clubs across the Island that would really benefit and everyone would surely be happy to share, including Empire Skating Club.”
Empire Skating Club also had to relocate from Fort Regent, making Haute Vallée their new home.
Head Coach Becca Schofield shared her thoughts on the idea, saying: “We have settled in well at Haute Vallée, the school and staff are all so welcoming and it was a pretty smooth transition over. It’s a lovely hall to skate in, but the only downside is that it’s a little small, making it harder for our high-level skaters to train.
“We’re making it work the best we can, and we’re so grateful for Haute Vallée, as that’s ensured the future of our club and saved us from closing, but a bigger space shared by both clubs would be a great outcome.”
A facility like this would bring even more benefits to Jersey’s population, as Baker added: “This would help greatly in getting more kids active and moving, as a space like this would allow more sports to thrive and more youngsters to take part in all activities.
“Another point I’d like to make clear is that – even though skating is a sport for everyone – artistic roller skating is predominantly a girls’ sport. At a time where loads of girls are dropping out of sport in their teenage years, it’s so important that sports like ours are allowed to keep growing.
“With this bigger space, I’d be looking to bring over top-level coaches to help further develop our team of coaches and skaters. Also, we’d be looking at hosting competitions, which would bring people into the Island and benefit the wider economy.
“Skating is such an accessible sport which is open to all. You don’t have to be a top elite-level athlete to take part – you can just come up, have fun and be active.
“We’re not trying to get political, shake any trees or upset anybody – we just want to help Jersey get active and get moving.”
Although the club have an unpredictable future ahead of them, various people and organisations have been of great help to Regent Skating Club, who went out their way to show their gratitude.
“Through this whole situation, Rachel Sawyer and the rest of the team at Les Quennevais have been so supportive, doing the best they can to ensure the new floor is suitable for us with the funds at their disposal.
“With several of our athletes on the Jersey Sport Performance Sport Programme, it can’t go without saying how helpful Jersey Sport have been to the club, we’re very grateful for their continued support.”
Government response
The States of Jersey’s Infrastructure and Environment department released a statement in response, saying: “We work closely with all sports clubs, including those in the artistic roller‑skating community, and other skating clubs have been very positive about their current arrangements. We are aware of the concerns raised by Regent Skating Club regarding training space and flooring, and we are engaging directly with them to understand and address these needs.
“We remain committed to supporting a core range of sports and ensuring facilities continue to meet the needs of Island athletes.”
Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure and Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development with responsibility for sport, added: “My door is always open to sports groups in Jersey and I’m always free to communicate, as we’ve proved that solutions can be found for these issues. We have a lot of experience, goodwill and resources here at our disposal, but it’s all about making sure they’re allocated fairly.”
