Our Stories:
Meet Elsie

“I’m a community sports youth worker, so I coach skateboarding and also help with the outreach programmes. A lot of the work we do is in estates across Leeds, putting on drop-in sessions where kids can do skateboarding and other activities like football. It gives kids that often don’t have anything to do on these estates over the summer holidays something to do. You can tell they’re just bored. 

I actually started skateboarding by coming here when I was at uni in Leeds. I came to the girls’ nights here and then just got into more and more. I thought it was such a chill environment, everyone’s really friendly. That’s the main thing really, when you go somewhere you just want to feel comfortable. 

Seeing all the redevelopment happening makes it a really exciting place. You know that they’re adapting to what people want. It’s not just staying the same. It makes it more exciting.” 

LS-TEN is home to an indoor skatepark and alternative education provision. They use alternative sports like skateboarding, scootering and BMX to raise aspirations and reduce inequality. They’ve received a range of funding from Leeds Community Foundation, including grants to support outreach sessions and a beginner skateboarding club. 

If you want to play your part in supporting brilliant local Community Organisations like LS-TEN, learn how you can support us, or reach out at info@leedscf.org.uk.