An 11-year-old Jersey skateboarder with dreams of one day representing Great Britain is searching for an unlikely training venue this winter… and an empty warehouse, barn or commercial unit could do the trick.
Lottie Rosser regularly travels to the UK for specialist coaching and Skateboard GB competitions, but her family says Jersey’s weather and lack of indoor facilities could leave her unable to train consistently for months.
Now, her mum Laura is appealing to Islanders who might have an unused indoor space where a temporary mini skate ramp could be installed between October and April.
It comes after Mrs Rosser previously called for greater investment in Jersey’s skateboarding facilities, warning that talented young athletes risked being left behind without somewhere to train year-round.
At the time, Lottie was already travelling off-Island for training and competitions, having also been invited to skate alongside Olympic bronze medallist Sky Brown and winning a best-trick award at the event.
Now 11, Lottie has been skateboarding for around three years and is competing in Skateboard GB events.
Her mum said she is currently the only Jersey girl of her age competing at that level.
“Lottie absolutely lives and breathes skateboarding,” Mrs Rosser said. “At just 11 years old she is already travelling off-island for coaching and Skateboard GB competitions, and she is the only girl of her age in Jersey competing at this level.
“She has huge ambitions and is prepared to put the work in, but living on an island means access to year-round facilities is one of the biggest challenges we face.”
The family is not looking for a permanent new skatepark – they say they simply need enough covered space to temporarily install a mini ramp, which would be removed again at the end of April.
Mrs Rosser told Express the winter months were particularly difficult because bad weather made consistent outdoor training almost impossible.
She explained: “We’re hoping there might be someone in Jersey with a warehouse, barn, unit or unused indoor space who sees Lottie’s story and thinks, ‘I might be able to help.’
“It would only be needed through the winter, and the ramp could be removed again at the end of April. Even if somebody has an idea or a contact we haven’t thought of, we’d love to hear from them.”
If you can help, email editor@bailiwickexpress.com and the team will put you in touch with Lottie’s family.
