Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has launched a new programme in Enfield schools aimed at helping teenage girls build confidence and unlock their creative potential. The initiative, called This Girl Can Skate, offers 12 weeks of skateboarding and creative workshops for girls who may be at risk of disengaging from school life. It is run in partnership with Enfield Council’s public health team, funded by the London Marathon Foundation and delivered by Everybody on Boards.
A demonstration session was held at St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls, where 14-year-old Jade was among those taking part. She shared her excitement about the experience, saying: “I’ve enjoyed the programme a lot so far, as something new to do that gets you out of your comfort zone. When I started, I was really scared of getting onto the skateboard – I didn’t know if I’d fall and hurt myself. But gradually, I started learning new skills and now I don’t feel embarrassed to fall off – I just laugh it off and get back up.”
Jade added that the lessons go beyond skateboarding itself. “I think this translates to situations in life, so when you’ve made mistakes, get back up, persevere and go again. The programme’s also made me more energetic and more sociable as I share what I’ve done with my classmates. I think I’m going to carry on skateboarding after the programme.”
A total of around 160 girls from eight Enfield schools will take part in the sessions. While learning skateboarding skills, they will also engage in creative activities such as design, event planning and self-expression. Each workshop lasts one hour during school hours and comes with additional wellbeing support to help build resilience and encourage positive mental health.
The programme will run until spring 2026, when participants will plan and host a community skate jam to showcase their abilities and share what they have learned over the course. This Girl Can Skate builds on Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s wider work to support secondary school students who may be at risk of not reaching their potential. Its Premier League Inspires programme has already engaged 950 young people across 38 schools since its launch in 2019, using football to promote personal development and positive attitudes.
Simon Wears, health and wellbeing manager at the Foundation, highlighted the aim of the project. He said: “This Girl Can Skate is about far more than learning to skateboard — it’s about giving girls a safe, supportive space to discover what they’re capable of. We’ve seen just how quickly confidence grows when young people are encouraged to try something new and express themselves creatively. Our aim is to empower these girls with skills, resilience and belief that stays with them long after the programme ends.”
Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for public health, said the partnership is already creating impact in local schools. She noted: “It is fantastic to see how ‘This Girl Can Skate’ is inspiring young women across our borough. This innovative programme not only introduces girls to new physical skills but also helps boost their self-confidence, wellbeing and creativity. Enfield Council is committed to tackling health inequalities and ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities that help them thrive—both in and out of school.”