Club Name:	Downlands Artistic Skating Club
Club Website:	http://downlandsartistic.com/

About Our Club:

Downlands Artistic Skating Club, still the Premier Figure Skating Club in the Cotswold and South West area has the only British Champions in this region. They are dedicated to the development of people of all ages and abilities from basic skills to international level skaters. The aim, through a well structured and fun skating development programme, is to offer children and adults a chance to find out how beneficial roller skating can be to people's lifestyle and future. Downlands Artistic Skating Club was formed over 25 years ago by David and his wife Shirley. The aim was, as is now, to produce skaters that wish to compete in club, national and international events. In addition to the competitive side, Downlands run FUNdamental Skating Courses for beginner and intermediate skaters who want to skate for fun. They also have Community Skating Sessions dedicated to the whole family which promotes skating as a fitness and fun activity. Recreational Skating -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most skating stars are born from recreational skating. For this reason Downlands Artistic Skating Club has a varied and enjoyable recreational skating programme for people of all ages and abilities. Their Skatemania and SkateRight sessions and programmes provide an unbeatable foundation for both recreational skating and roller sports. 'Skatemania' is dedicated to family fun skates where the whole family can come and enjoy roller skating. If any skaters wish to learn to skate and achieve awards then they can join our 'SkateRight' programme and learn the FUNdamentals of skating for fun and enjoyment. Competitive Skating -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As our name states we are foremost a competitive skating club dedicated to the growth and promotion of our sport. However the club recognizes that we need new talent and all levels to keep the club where it is. For this reason we have a well devised and enjoyable competitive structure that caters for all ages from 5 years to adults. Some compete for fun and fitness while others take up the challenge of international competitions with the hope of representing their country at international levels. Downlands ASC have in the past years had many medal winners and skaters who have represented Great Britain Abroad. Their highest placing skaters were 3rd in the Youth European Couples Dance Championship. At national level their Head Coach has trained the British and Welsh Junior Pair Champions, Junior British Dance Champions and 5th in the Junior European Championships. Our competitive training programme runs in Swindon (Dorcan Leisure Complex and Oasis Leisure Centre), Gloucester (Beaufort Community School), Forest of Dean (Dene Magna School) and Newport, Wales (Pillgwenlly Millenium Centre). Once the skater has passed their basic skills levels they will be able to compete in club competitions. As the skater progresses and improves so further opportunities open to compete in Internationals, Junior Worlds, World Games, European and World Championships. In order to reach this though we know that any athlete needs the backing and support of the parents. At Downlands ASC we strongly encourage this through the inclusion of the parents at the time the skater decides to join our competitive training squad and thereafter throughout the athletes career. School Link -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is aimed at local primary and secondary schools as an optional sports activity or after school club. Qualified coaches who are CRB checked will provide an 8 week basic skills programme. Following this, where requested, we are able to offer advanced and linked programmes into their local skating club. For further information please contact Shirley Bullock on (mobile) 07740 396 011

Sport Network:

Roller Skating