Skateboarding success for Ben in Portush

STRABANE'S burgeoning skateboarding scene has been boosted further by the news that a young skater has placed in a recent skating competition in Portrush.

Members of the ThreeSixFour team travelled to the North Coast earlier this month to compete in a skate jam as part of the return of the popular 'Coaster' event, which celebrates local music, skateboarding and alternative culture that makes Portrush and the rest of the coastal community so special.

Launched earlier this year, the team - a first for the town - was founded by local man and skating enthusiast, Liam Cannon, whose group Strabane Urban Sports (SUS) has also been campaigning to have a permanent skate park in the area for skaters.

The team, sponsored by local tattooist, Danny McCay of ThreeSixFour clothing brand, consists of four skaters ranging from the ages of eight to 19 years-old.

Liam was among the competitors alongside his daughter, Bella and team members, James and Ben McCool

Ben (13), from Victoria Bridge, placed second in the U16 contest, while fellow team members Bella (8), who competed in the U12 and U16 categories and James Langan (13) who competed in U16 category, also showcased their talents in their respective categories.

Liam competed himself in the over 16 competition.

"It was a brilliant day out for the skaters," Liam commented. "We are delighted for Ben.

"It's a massive achievement and we're buzzing for him - he was over-the-moon

"Skating is a pretty big scene in Portrush so to place second is huge for the Strabane team.

"Hopefully it brings the recognition needed to push our efforts to get a skate park in Strabane.

"We all made our own way up to Portrush to participate with family members who also came along for support.

"There were huge crowds watching - maybe 100 or more - and they were all delighted with what they were seeing with kids as young as five participating.

"There was healthy competition and it's benefiting these young kids, who can use the beneficial aspects of skating and apply it to other areas of their lives."

Turning to the need for a skating space in the town, Liam says that while the progress is slow, he is confident it can become a reality.

"The need is definitely there, that has been shown," he said. "The council, to be fair, continue to work with us and we will keep pushing for it.

"We haven't been told no and there haven't been any setbacks thankfully, so now that we have competitive skateboarders in the ranks, I don't think it can be denied any longer to the town.

"Skateboarding is so inclusive and there's so many positives.

"It incredibly difficult but it's so rewarding seeing the team putting their time and energy into it, progressing and then enjoying it as well."

Liam also says the team plan to attend a forthcoming competition in Newtownabbey organised by Skateboarding NI.

"As a committee, we' re going to try and hold some smaller events ourselves in community halls across the area just to be able to provide urban sports for the community," he said.

"There's definitely been a lot more interest in urban sports and parents messaging the Strabane Urban Sports page wondering what's available and where they can take their kids, so it's been great to see that also.

"I've also noticed myself driving around Strabane, that there's so many kids now rolling around on skateboards and roller skates so I definitely think our campaign is having a knock-on effect.

"It's amazing to see and it just warms my heart seeing it, and success at competitions can only fuel that interest."

Visit the Strabane Urban Sports Facebook page to keep up-to-date with the team's progress and any further events planned.