Street sports scheme for schools

10:27pm Wednesday 9th July 2008

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A CITY analyst is pioneering a scheme to bring street sports to schoolchildren.

High Wycombe resident Ajay Vasdev, 23, a former pupil at Royal Grammar School High Wycombe came up with the idea of the 'V3' skateboarding classes when he was rummaging through his childhood items.

He said: "I was cleaning out the garage and saw my old skateboard. It reminded me of the time when I was younger and really interested in skating, but simply had no where to skate and no one to teach me how to do it properly.

"I realised that this hesitation is what puts off many other youngsters from getting involved with these sports and that something should be done to provide for their interests."

Mr Vasdev, who works for Thomson Reuters in London, has put together a project to provide qualified skateboarding for youngsters with the help of mother Renu, 50, of Tylers Green, High Wycombe.

A taster session took place today at Manor Farm Community Junior School, Hazlemere, to trial the project and twelve novice skateboarders took part.

Mr Vasdev said: "I think it's important to recognise that society is changing and so is the interest of the younger generation.

"Where before they would be happy to just play rugby and football now people want to free run, learn how to break dance or do a 180 kick flip to a reverse nollie on a skateboard."

The mother and son double act have struck a partnership with the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe to provide sessions every Tuesday in the summer holidays.

Mr Vasdev, who works for Thomson Reuters added: "It connects with the desires of today's youth and really gives them the chance to develop their skills in sports that interest them."

The pair are hoping to attract sponsorship so they can extend the project.