LATEST NEWS
BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
Sacred Grounds Coffee Company are based in Arbroath, the first speciality coffee roaster in Angus, opening in 2015. They roast premium, single origin coffee beans using Fatima, their 5kg Toper machine. All of their coffee is traceable, seasonal and ethically traded.
Supporting local is a central belief of Sacred Grounds. You can sample their coffee at local Arbroath cafes including Hospitalfield Garden Cafe and Serendipity Cafe or you can even buy your own beans in local delis like Smithies in Arbroath.
You can also buy online at www.sacred-grounds.coffee.
Thank you for supporting us by purchasing a sponsorship board.
To advertise your business at The PKS Arena, drop us a message or email mark@skilzacademy.org.uk
Did you know that all of our Skilz groups are completely free of charge??
We ensure our classes are accessible for everyone, without having to worry about a cost.
Small donations are welcome if anyone would like to donate, this can be done discreetly at groups or online.
All donations go back into what we deliver and recently we were able to buy some new exercise balls for the expansion of our gentle exercise group in Friockheim.
Donations online can be done via this link.
If you would like to try one of our groups, drop us a message, we would love to have you along.
Have you ever fancied trying Yoga?
Skilz run a class with Irene every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm at the Old and Abbey Church Hall and we have some spaces available.
The class is free but donations are welcome.
Drop us a message to sign up and give it a go!
Happy International Women's Day to all the amazing women out there!
Today we celebrate your strength, resilience, and accomplishments.
Skilz celebrates those women in Skilz that engage in our Community Programme , Community Outreach programmes such as Glow and DJing and of course our young ladies in Project Elevate.
We celebrate you all today and of course our amazing Fundraising Ladies and who could forget the two powerful, inspiring 'Queens' in Team Skilz, Lauren and Rachel as well as our amazing trustees Philma, Lois, Sarah and Nicola .
On Tuesday the 28th of February, Lauren attended The Rookery in Carnoustie to represent Skilz at the AMHAWN Health & Wellbeing Day.
It was a fantastic opportunity for organisations in the area to come together and showcase the services available to the local community.
Jordan Wyness, better known under the alias Van Damnhas penned a deal with Utopia Worldwide– launched by BBC Radio 1 Dance Music DJ Jaguar Bingham.
Jordan, who released new single Can't Grumble last week, told The Courier: “It’s honestly unreal.
"She’s been a massive supporter of my tracks for the last few years and to be the debut release really shows how much they love the track.
“Having someone of that calibre backing you really does light the fire to keep creating more music and play more gigs.”
Read the full story here:
BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
This week we highlightDymock Properties Ltd
Dymock Properties are a property management agent in Dundee and Angus. They pride themselves in giving personal service with over 15 years of experience.
They specialise in residential lets and bespoke property management, and are looking to work with new landlords in the area.
Thank you Neil for supporting us and purchasing an advertising board.
If you would like an information about purchasing a board, contact Mark@skilzacademy.org.uk
Lauren and Mark met staff from Arbroath High School at The PKS Arena.
A huge thank you to the school for contributing to the pitch access and we look forward working with our new neighbours for many years to come.
Nearly 1000 students from the school are using the facility every week which is amazing!
Pictured with Lauren and Mark are David Jukes (P.E) Bruce Pandrich (Head Teacher) and Ryan Laird (Depute Head)
Skilz completed a bag pack at Morrisons on Friday the 27th of January!
A big thank you firstly to our volunteers who kindly gave their time to attend, customers who donated generously and to the staff at Morrisons who were extremely welcoming.
A special thanks to the Community Champion Jacqueline for organising.
We raised a fabulous £222.38!!
PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Skilz believes it is integral to our community to work in partnership with organisations that share the same visions and values to ensure we meet the needs of those who need it most.
Working in partnership allows us to better understand the evolving landscape and be better placed to contribute to the bigger picture, fill gaps and avoid duplications and clashes of similar projects.
Over the past 5 months we have been working in partnership with Angus Housing Association Ltd . We are now delivering our Seated Exercise classes at Russell Square every Tuesday and also our Songs, Dance & Smiles.
Lauren said:
"Working with Lydia at Angus Housing Association has been excellent. Her passion and enthusiasm in her role have been inspiring. She always goes above and beyond. Working together, we have brought more people in our community together in a variety of ways, and it has been incredible to see the impact it has made. Thank you for everything you do Lydia, and the fantastic work you do for Angus Housing Association."
BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
Lee are Clair Donaldson are the owners of Whittakers Optometrist in Carnoustie.
They took over the business just over a year ago and are very proud to be providing excellent service and eye care locally.
Pictured with their advertising board at The PKS Arena is son Brandon who plays for Arbroath Lads Club and is benefiting from the new Astro facility in the town.
Thank you Lee and Clair for supporting us and taking a board at the pitch.
If you would be interested in supporting the facility by purchasing an advertising board, drop us a message or email mark@skilzacademy.org.uk
Astro Opens Monday 30 January!
We are delighted to announce after a productive meeting with Angus Council and Arbroath High School, that after 4 years of work, the Community Astro will open on Monday 30 January.
The near 1000 pupils of Arbroath High School will have access through the day via their PE curriculum and our 'Community Group' clubs will access in the evenings hosting a range of gender, ages and sports.
We will announce news on further public openings for hire after our 'soft launch' next week.
We are delighted to report also that the pitch passed all FIFA guidance tests!
Astro Goals Arrive
We were delighted to have the goals arrive for the Astro facility today (25.01.23) , which takes us one step closer to getting us open.
Huge thanks to those in our community who came down to help us onload the lorry.
Next job is to get them built!
Also a big shout out to Malcolm, our delivery driver from MH Goals, who was lovely , amazing and very helpful!
First CEO Appointed at Skilz Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson has been appointed as our first Chief Executive Officer and took up post in November 2022.
With over a decade of experience in the public and third sectors, Mark has joined Skilz at a critical time in their development and growth as an organization.
Mark spent his entire youth in Arbroath, attending both Muirfield Primary and then Arbroath High School. A goalkeeper, signed with Dundee FC when he was a youngster and spent the next two years training and playing professionally for Arbroath Football Club as a "Skill Seeker" trainee. Mark spent a year with Montrose FC before moving on to play semi-professionally for a few years, retiring at age 24 owing to injuries. After that, he became the youth academy coach at Arbroath FC.
Mark's professional career began after he retired from professional football, and began working for the Dundee City Council and helping disengaged youth through alternative learning settings. After working as a Supervisor for Childline / NSPCC, he went on to work for Rossie Young People's Trust for the next 12 years. Before becoming the Learning & Development Manager at Rossie, Mark worked in a number of different capacities, including as a Residential Childcare Worker, a Personal, Social Education Teacher, a Learning & Development Officer, and a Manager for Learning & Development. Mark worked as the Community Manager for North Scotland at Shelter Scotland for only five months before being joining Skilz as an employee.
Mark served as a trustee for Skilz for five years before being promoted to CEO. He also works with students from the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee as a Specialist Mentor, guiding them through their time at university.
Skilz has developed and evolved since becoming a charity 5 years ago. Initially a football based organisation but during lockdown, our board decided to reevaluate our vision and create a new programme to guarantee we accomplish the charity's purposes and serve the community in a wider variety of ways.
Skilz Academy is run by a board of trustees who all give their time freely to govern the charity. Everyone at Skilz is working hard to give everyone in their local communities the opportunity to enhance their lives and improve the areas in which they live through the projects that they operate. Skilz's community-wide programming serves people of all ages, and its many offerings cater to a wide range of interests and needs. Their DJ Academy and Project Elevate health and wellness programme are two examples of in-school engagement with students who may be disinterested in school for various reasons.
Mark Anderson, commented on the appointment:
“Having been a volunteer at Skilz since the creation of the charity, I am very proud to have been appointed as the first CEO. I look forward to leading Skilz as we aim to grow as a charity and increase the support we give to our community. With the Community Astro opening, this is an exciting time for us and I am working with team to plan our next stage of growth as we look to increase the work we do in our ‘Community Programme’ and engagement in schools through our DJ Academy, GLOW Sports and Project Elevate. Our programmes reach thousands of our community each year. The cost of living has hit everyone and we want to ensure our programmes are accessible to anyone who wishes to attend and cost is not a barrier. As a charity, all revenue generated will be reinvested back into our community via our programmes to ensure we continue to promote health and wellbeing and support our community.”
Graham Parker, Chair of Skilz said:
“Skilz had reached an important and exciting stage of its development and our board of trustees felt it was the right time to appoint the charities first CEO. Mark was a trustee with the charity since 2017 and was instrumental in the Astro project moving forward so the trustees know the commitment and enthusiasm Mark has for Skilz which will carry into his new role.
“The Astro project will be the primary focus but we are looking forward to Mark developing the charity further into different areas whilst continuing the community work with our fantastic Skilz academy team.”
Phoenix Firewalk
As the name suggests this involves crossing a 10-12 ft bed of glowing coals, bare foot.
Lauren our Projects Lead will be taking part in the Phoenix Fire walk on Sunday the 20th of November 2022 at Balbirnie House.
Lauren is fundraising for Skilz and hopes to raise £500.
Click the link to make your donation
PREVIOUS NEWS
4th June 2019
An evening with Ally McCoist
Skilz Academy Charity Dinner in association with Choose Events
We wish to thank the following businesses for their kindness and generosity in donating the following prizes for our raffle and auction.
Brewery Tour 71 - Brewing tour for two
Hamilton Park Racecourse - Race Tickets
Prime Signs - £200 Voucher
Arbikie - Arbroath FC Special Edition
Arbikie - Gin Masterclass Tickets at the Edinburgh Fringe
Jaguar Perth - Jaguar F-Type weekend hire
Carnoustie JFC - 2 Adult Season Tickets
Hotel Indigo - 1 night stay with dinner at Daisy Tasker
Tiger Eye Massage - Voucher for full body massage
Carnoustie Gold Links - 4 Ball on the Buddon Course
The Rookery - £50 voucher
Delta Force - £100 Paintball Voucher
Odeon Dundee - 2 Cinema Tickets
Ryze Dundee - Voucher for 2
Overgate Dundee - £50 shopping voucher
Barnetts Dundee - Mazda MX5 weekend hire
Arbroath FC - Boardroom Hospitality for two
Bubble Football - Voucher for £25
Fairmont, St Andrews - Savoy Afternoon Tea for 2
Dundee Rep - 2 tickets for midweek performance
McCalls of Dundee - £105 kit hire voucher
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel - 2 tickets to party night 2019
Monifieth Golf Links - 4 ball voucher
Hot Tubs 2 U - Weekend hot tub hire
Danny Lafferty Salon - Voucher with John Cooper
Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool - Entry Voucher for 4
Rangers FC - Signed shirt and stadium tour of Ibrox for 4
Montrose FC - Signed football
Kelso Races - A day at the races for two.
Distillitutions Ltd - Signed Special Edition McCoist Gin
Landmark Forest Adventure Park - Family Ticket
14th May, 2019
Come and join our team.....
18th April 2019
PEOPLES PROJECT WINNERS 2019
We are delighted to share the news that Skilz Academy has won a public vote to secure nearly £50,000 of National Lottery funding as part of this year's The Peoples Projects. The money was awarded after our amazing campaign GLOW FOR IT was chosen by voters across our region as one of 3 winners and as a result we will receive a life changing grant of £49,998.
We will be using this grant to expand our current GLOW sports and Street Football projects so that more young people can access these totally free activities. We will also be launching a brand new DJ School where we will seek to give budding DJs an opportunity to learn how to use decks and other equipment but also to get practical hands on experience by playing live at our UV sessions to merge sport and music into one fantastic opportunity for young people to fulfill their full potential.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and donated their time to help us secure the votes we needed.