Deeside Synchronised Skating Club’s big year ends with top award
Deeside Synchronised Skating Club has been named Club of the Year, an award presented by British Ice Skating following what the club described as a strong start to the season in Blackburn.
The club said the award recognised the collective effort of volunteers, skaters, coaches, families and supporters who have helped rebuild and grow the organisation in recent years.
Speaking on behalf of the club, vice chair Gaynor Clarke said the recognition was shared by everyone involved.
“On behalf of Deeside Synchronised Skating Club, we are truly honoured to receive the Club of the Year award,” she said.
“This recognition belongs, above all, to our volunteers. You are the quiet force that holds our club together — the people who give your evenings, your weekends, your energy, and your hearts to make sure our skaters have a place to grow, to belong, and to shine.”
She added: “Without you, there is no training, no competitions, no club spirit — there is no Deeside.”
Ms Clarke said the award came after a period of rebuilding following the closure of the Deeside rink, when the club returned with just 12 skaters.
“We’re absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud,” she said. “After the rink closure at Deeside we came back to Deeside with 12 skaters, we have built this club up from the bottom, we’re so proud this year we’ve created three new teams this season, an inclusive team, development team and a pre novice team.”
She said being named Club of the Year reflected more than competitive results.
“Being named Club of the Year feels like a huge recognition of the hard work, passion and commitment shown by our skaters, coaches, committee and families,” she said. “It’s a moment that really validates everything we’ve been striving for—not just results on the ice, but building a positive, supportive and inspiring environment for everyone involved.”
The club has recorded two gold and two silver medals so far this season, with Ms Clarke highlighting wider personal development among skaters.
“This year our skaters have shown extraordinary growth—not just in technical skill, but in confidence, teamwork and resilience,” she said. “They’ve embraced challenges, supported each other through tough training blocks, and stepped onto the ice with real courage.”
She added: “The two golds and two silvers are wonderful, but what we’re most proud of is how they’ve developed as athletes and as people.”
The club said its emphasis on inclusion and community set it apart.
“Deeside SSC is more than a club—it’s a community,” Ms Clarke said. “Skaters of all ages and abilities train side by side, and families become part of the wider support network.”
Looking ahead, the club hopes the award will help maintain momentum through the rest of the season.
“A strong start to the season, combined with being named Club of the Year, gives our skaters a real boost of confidence and brings positive visibility to synchro in our region,” Ms Clarke said.
She added that the club hoped the recognition would help attract new members, volunteers and future funding.
Upcoming competitions include events in Dumfries this weekend, the British Championships in February and the Steel City Trophy in March, alongside club showcases and community performances.
The club says it is open to new skaters and volunteers of all ages and experience levels, with further information available through its website and social media channels.
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