The club is run solely by volunteer of all different ages and backgrounds, read on to learn a little about each of our team.
Dave N
How did you get into skating?
Age four when visiting my uncle in Swindon, I saw Jocelyn Taylor and Frank Martin do a pairs demonstration. I had never seen roller skating before but from then on all I wanted to do was to skate like that. My uncle paid for lessons and when the money ran out people from Sheffield Skating Club paid for me to carry on skating, take lessons and train.
What is your favourite skating memory?
My first public performance age nine at Dovercourt Skating Rink. For the first time in my life I felt special. I knew I could do something well and that people wanted to see me doing it.
When did you start coaching and why?
At the age of 18 when I took my first coaching qualification (in fencing). l have coached a variety of sports at all levels since then. I coach because I want people to get as much out of sport as I have done. I have taught skating for nearly 50 years now and still enjoy helping people develop and learn new skills
Catherine A
How did you get into skating?
I started skating at age five after getting my first pair of skates for Christmas. Growing up in the eighties, everyone skated outside — I even did my paper round on skates.
What is your favourite skating memory?
I have great memories of skating with my family at our local sports centre and at Rollerbury, where even my parents learned to skate in their forties. As a teenager, I loved travelling to Bury St Edmunds for full‑day and all‑night skate sessions, including events where bands like The Prodigy performed.
More recently, competing for the first time and winning a silver medal in a mix‑and‑match pairs event was a highlight.
When did you start coaching and why?
I began coaching with Ipswich Skating Club around three years ago after my daughter joined Learn to Skate sessions. I had some previous experience helping at another rink and was keen to develop further. Since then, I’ve completed in‑house training and a formal online coaching qualification.
I enjoy coaching because it’s rewarding to see skaters of all ages progress, grow in confidence, and enjoy learning new skills.
Jenni E
How did you get into skating?
I started skating the first time round in 2006 after moving to the area, I had previously enjoyed ice skating but as there was no ice rink rollerskating was the best alternative, I trained in artistic skating until 2012 then I stopped. I came back to social skate in 2025 and haven’t really stopped since.
What is your favourite skating memory?
Coming back to it, meeting some great people and being invited back to artistic training, in training for a dance comp in November, eekk
When did you start coaching and why?
I started coaching towards the end of 2025, I want to share my love of skating and seeing the skaters progress each week is so rewarding.
Mark A
How did you get into skating?
I was asked by a friend to to come along to a skate at Roller World in 2005 and I really liked skating, chatting and the music.
What is your favourite skating memory?
Completing a sponsored skating marathon (26 miles/422 laps) at Curve Motion.
When did you start coaching and why?
Just after lockdown 2020, I wanted to give back to the club that had been there for me and my son.
Cathryn K
How did you get into skating?
I started skating after a difficult period, to meet new people.
What is your favourite skating memory?
Getting a bronze medal in the Grading competition.
When did you start coaching and why?
I started my coach training in September 2025, I passed my Level 1 in coaching assistant exam in March 2026.
Luke S
How did you get into skating?
I self-taught as a child but stopped in my teens. I got back into it when my kids joined the club as an opportunity to exercise and be involved with an activity with them.
What is your favourite skating memory?
Catching up to my children in grade 4 and then being shown how to skate backwards by my 5 year old.
When did you start coaching and why?
Late 2025, because I didn’t want to sit and watch my boys skate, I wanted to help teach them and other children a new skill that keeps them active and socialised.
Azra W
How did you get into skating?
I was quite late to learning to skate having never been on skates before my mid 30s. I had been bringing my daughter to the learn to skate sessions for a few months and my son was keen to have a go, but only if I agreed to try too. It looked such fun, so I thought why not.
What is your favourite skating memory?
Seeing the joy on my children’s faces when I joined them for a family skate session for the first time, and their disappointment when I didn’t fall over!
When did you start coaching and why?
I started at the end of 2025, I loved seeing the joy learning to skate brought to children, including my own, and wanted to be more involved.
Lee C
How did you get into skating?
I first started skating as a lad at the Felixstowe rink in the late 1970s. I loved everything about it, the music, the movement and, above all, the fantastic sense of community.
Skating remained part of my life, and years later I took my own sons to Rollerbury and Rollerworld most weekends. When Rollerworld closed, I made the move from quad skating to inline and urban skating, discovering a completely new way to enjoy the sport.
I hadn’t realised there was a skating club in Ipswich until I began teaching my grandson to skate. We discovered Ipswich Skating Club together and both loved it. For us, the club is about so much more than learning skating skills: it is about friendship, shared experiences, confidence and feeling part of a community. I believe skating can support physical and emotional wellbeing at every age.
What is your favourite skating memory?
It is difficult to choose just one, but discovering the club with my grandson and watching him develop the same enjoyment of skating that I experienced as a child is very special to me. Skating has now connected three generations of my family, from my own childhood, through skating with my sons, to sharing it with my grandson. It feels as though my skating journey has come full circle.
When did you start coaching, and why?
I began my coaching journey with the club in 2026. Much of my professional life has been devoted to education, helping people learn and supporting others to develop, so coaching felt like a natural next step.
I wanted to give something back to the skating community and help create the same welcoming, safe and inclusive experience that has meant so much to my family. I particularly enjoy helping skaters build confidence, recognise their progress and discover what they are capable of, whatever their age or starting point.
I am also proud to serve on the committee as Coaching Development Officer, supporting our coaches and volunteers to continue developing so that every skater receives the best possible experience.