Cath Shanks

Background

About Cath Shanks

A female skateboarder and coach with Epilepsy and ADHD, who is passionate about making skateboarding, and its benefits, accessible for everyone. Trying to create a safe space to talk about our differences but also what brings us together, life. Skateboarding is so much more than a sport; for many it is life changing, for others it is lifesaving. Confidence, resilience and raised self esteem are just a few of the natural benefits of skateboarding, and I think everyone should have a fair chance to access and experience these benefits. With a supportive coach, mentor or environment, these benefits can be so, so much more impactful. In the past 5 years, I have designed and delivered several 'Leadership through skateboarding' courses to young women and girls across Manchester and London. I regularly deliver sessions to people with both physical and developmental disabilities, and I am working towards improving access to adaptive skateboarding in the UK. I am an ambassador for the International WCMX Series, whose aim is to improve access and opportunities within WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross) around the world. I was fortunate to be selected as one of the Skateistan x Women Win ROLL Models in 2019 where I ran a project working with disadvantaged and disabled young females in London, I have recently been selected as a 2023 ROLL Model, for my project aimed at Neurodiverse female and gender diverse young people in Hackney. This year I have also been chosen to be part of the Nike x Gurls Talk x Women Win 'Coach in your Corner' project, this project has a focus on improving the mental health of young women through sports. I am extremely excited and proud to be a part of all of these projects. I am passionate about helping to grow and develop the coaching community so that everyone has access to an experienced and supportive coach if they need it. I am currently a coach mentor for Skateboard GB (SBGB) and one of the course leads for the existing ‘Get Rolling’ course, and their new 'SBGB Coaching Skills' course; the first advanced skateboard coaching course. Following which, I mentor a cohort of coaches who have completed the course. More recently I am proud to be selected as one of the pilot Coach Educators for Nike London, as part of this new initiative we run tailored workshops for sports organistations and their coaches, who are Nike partners. This project is supported by Youth Sport Trust and ICoachKids, and most recently we have been working with Girls United FA. Skateboarding is simply magical, and I want everyone to know and experience it.