Jobs In Skateboarding - Performance Manager

Jobs In Skateboarding - Performance Manager.

Looking from the outside in it may seem as if jobs in skateboarding are few and far between, but once you delve deeper into the possibilities there's a plethora of careers surrounding our favourite toy. We hit up as many people as possible to investigate deeper and to ask ‘What do you even do?’. 
 
The job below is something of an anomaly compared to the others, in that it didn't exist until relatively recently.
 

What's your name?

Darren Pearcy.

What is your current role, and who do you work for?

I’m currently the Performance Manager (previously Team Manager) at Skateboard GB. The National Governing Body for Skateboarding in Great Britain.

What is it that you actually do? /  What makes up a majority of your work time?

That depends on the time of year and what’s needed at any given time. Recently I’ve been working on our 2022 Team Selection Policy amongst a plethora of other documents and actions to prepare Skateboard GB for the Paris 2024 Olympic Cycle. 

Qualification for the Paris games starts in June of 2022, so once we move into Spring/Summer, I will be back on the ground supporting skateboarders at competitions.

Did you have any roles in the skate industry before this?

Yes, I worked at Rollersnakes in Derby for twelve years before joining Skateboard GB. I started in the shop and worked around multiple roles, including team manager for Rollersnakes, Unabomber and Heathen (which are owned by Rollersnakes), and Marketing Manager. I'm so grateful to owner Paul Haynes and everyone at Rollersnakes for supporting me through my time at the organisation. Good people.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I think it's extraordinary that I am part of a team that has the opportunity to add value and support British skateboarding and skateboarders in ways that have not been possible or done before.

What’s the worst thing about your job?

Like the majority of the world, our team works remotely. Although I enjoy the flexibility of that approach, I still like the idea of working with people face to face and being part of a team that operates under a roof together. I feel the best ideas come up during unexpected moments of conversation. Zoom, Team's etc., don't support that in an organic, creative and free-flowing way.

Any advice for skateboarders out there who want to pursue your line of work?

There are several new and not so traditional skateboarding roles and job opportunities coming up more regularly these days.

When I was younger, I thought I needed to be a designer, photographer, videographer or writer to have a job of substance within the industry. That's not true and was a narrow-minded take. 

Find ways to add value to skateboarding, skateboarders and projects that are unique to you and your skill-set. 

Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and have a go. Work hard and support others.

Finally, “Do the task that others don't want to do”.

It's amazing the information and knowledge you can find in those typically neglected areas. 

Jobs In Skateboarding - Performance Managerphoto: Chris Johnson