Local Skater Gal Selected for European Leadership Programme

She was a skater girl, she said see you later girl, she was rolling off to Europe after being picked to a be leader in the world of skateboarding.. Potentially not as catchy or lyrically sound as Avril Lavine’s version but I tried. GET OFF MY BACK. It’s a skater Segway into the fact that local boarder Ali Mellor has been selected for an exciting programme.

She, along with 15 others, have been chosen for the 2024 ROLL Models initiative.

Designed by Skateistan and Women Win, the programme aims to support and create visibility for diverse women leaders in skateboarding to help build confidence, life skills, and a sense of community in the next generation of girl and gender-diverse boarders.

Each chosen ROLL Model gets a grant to design and deliver their skateboarding projects across Europe.

Ali, who is a Gal Skate instructor at the Shred House and currently the first and only qualified female skateboarding coach on the Island, is the first person from the Isle of Man ever to be selected for the programme.

She was originally inspired to get into skateboarding by her daughter Ivy and now also sits on the advisory board to the UK governing and Olympic body for skateboarding. (GB Skateboarding).

After her ROLL Model selection, Ali said;

‘I’m a little shell shocked to be honest! I’m really grateful for the opportunity and funding I’ve been awarded from Skatisan and The Good Push Alliance.

The partnership offered in this scheme sees skateboarders from all over the world come together to learn from each other and promote the country they represent.

‘This is the start of getting the Isle of Man recognised around the world for Skateboarding as a sport whilst showcasing the amazing Skateboarding community here and also how vital and rewarding this sport is.

‘My ethos is everyone can learn to Skateboard and at ANY age! I’m 41 and still learning! The funding I’ve received from Skatisan and The Good Push will be part of a Skateboarding program I’ll be implementing on the Island for all ages and gender who are all welcome!’

As well as receiving funding for her skateboarding project, she’ll be heading off to Paris in August for an in-person Leadership Camp.

Photo Cred: Stephen Corran