I am writing as a parent of a child with special educational needs whose emotional wellbeing and mental health are supported significantly through ice skating. My daughter trains at Ice Sheffield for 3–5 hours a day, five days a week, both on and off the ice. She is thriving—not only personally, but also in her development as a skater, with the potential for a future in the sport alongside many of her peers.

For children like mine, skating is far more than a hobby. It is a vital form of regulation, structure, and confidence-building. However, the proposed introduction of parking charges by Everyone Active, who operate the rink, risks placing an unsustainable financial burden on families like ours.

We already make considerable sacrifices to fund this demanding sport, covering membership fees, coaching, and ice time. As two full-time working parents, we carefully balance our finances to support our child’s progress. Additional parking costs will either make this commitment untenable or force reductions in training—directly impacting my daughter’s development and ability to reach her potential.

Moreover, this change may have wider consequences. Families will inevitably redirect spending toward parking fees rather than supporting the rink’s facilities, such as the café, ultimately reducing revenue and weakening the grassroots foundation of ice sports in our region.

I urge you to consider the impact this decision will have on dedicated young athletes, particularly those with additional needs, and to support measures that keep access to facilities like Ice Sheffield inclusive and sustainable.

Yours Sincerely 

Skaters Mum