THE FOUNDATION FOR
PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDERS
The Foundation for Professional Skateboarders (F/PS for short) is still in the very early stages of getting up and running as a nonprofit, but rest assured, help is on the way to provide pro skaters the support and assistance needed to thrive beyond their pro careers.
There are thousands of wonderful nonprofits that outwardly serve the skateboarding community, but none that we have been able to find that exist specifically for helping the pros who inspire the world by physically (and mentally) sacrificing their bodies for skateboarding. That is where F/PS comes in to fulfill the need in the industry.
If you are a current or retired pro skater, please reach out. We want to hear how to best assist you. Help with access to mental health services is a common topic we have been hearing as we get set up. Once we are officially established, finding a solution to meet that need has currently moved to top priority. We aren’t a licensed therapist, but we are an unbiased perspective from outside the industry if you just need someone to talk to privately and confidentially about your career.
In the very near future, we will begin looking to grow our Board of Directors and engage with Industry Partners. If you or your business is part of the skateboarding industry, and you’re interested in how you can help out, please reach out to Amanda Brown. We would love to schedule a phone call or video chat to introduce ourselves.
Follow our instagram page for the latest updates and check our website for more information as we continue to grow!
WHAT
Basically it’s the solid foundation for pro skaters to thrive in life beyond their professional skating careers.
It’s also the safety net to help protect pro skaters during their career when they inevitably fall.
WHY
There are so many amazing organizations today that provide valuable resources to the vast community of skateboarding around the world, but nothing exists yet to specifically help those who sacrifice the most for the industry- the professional skateboarders.
HOW
The three objectives of F/PS are assistance, accreditation, and networking.
ASSISTANCE
Growth and success are dependent on having a stable foundation to flourish. Injuries, mental health, addiction, career transitions, and even the cost of living are all obstacles that many pro skaters face during and after their professional careers. Providing dedicated financial and physical resources ensures pro skaters have the foundation that is vital for them to thrive both on and off the board.
ACCREDIATION
In the ever evolving world of skateboarding, the term pro skater needs to be better defined by setting an industry standard to work towards and maintain. This not only helps to determine who qualifies to receive assistance, but it also provides a level of professional accreditation that will be beneficial to pro skaters if/when they transition to a new career path. Future employers outside of the skateboarding world will better understand their unique skill set, while also educating the broader public on what makes pro skaters a cut above the rest and the vital role they play in the industry.
NETWORKING
F/PS strives to become the best advocate for every pro. Who you know is just as important, if not even more so, then what you know. The foundation hopes to strengthen relationships between pro skaters and industry partners, mentorship between new and mature pros, and assist with career transitions- such as help with writing a resume or creating a personal budget.