Sudbury skating club strives to bring families together and keep interest in sport alive

A family-run skating club says it is eager to get people away from computer screens, and introduce them to the physical and mental benefits of the sport.

Skate Happy has sounded the call for new members of all experience levels as it seeks to boost its numbers for regular sessions across two sites in Sudbury and Great Cornard.

The venture was launched in May by long-time skating coaches Stacey and Brian Molloy and their daughter Beth, who want to bring roller skating back to the area, after another club at Sudbury Upper School closed several years ago.

Brian, who formerly coached at Roller World in Colchester for 25 years and previously represented Great Britain in skating competitions, said he believes Sudbury has a “buoyant skating community” that they are keen to serve.

“There’s a massive drive at the moment around mental health, and sport has a huge benefit to that, as well as physical health,” he told SuffolkNews.

“There must be a connection between mental health and lifestyle, but I think what’s changed is there’s a lot less social interaction nowadays, unless it’s computer based, which can’t be good.

“We want to get families out doing activities together. I brought my daughter up skating and it keeps you connected with your children, even when they have grown up. I think the benefits are great.

“Skating has been an important part of my life. This is my way of giving back and keeping the interest alive.”

Skate Happy currently holds a family fun session – aimed at all ages and featuring music and party games – at Great Cornard Sports Centre on alternating Sundays, from 2.15pm to 4.45pm.

It also recently launched an adults group for those aged 14 and over.

In addition, Brian, Stacey and Beth are running skating lessons at Ormistion Sudbury Academy on Tuesdays from 6pm, with coaching offered from a beginner level upwards.

Attendees are asked to take their own skates, although the club does have a small number of pairs it can hire out.

Donations of unwanted skates are welcome, to provide for those without their own pair.

To learn more about Skate Happy, go online to skatehappy.co.uk.