The Wizard of Skate wins Bespoke Sports Coaching Service of the Year

If you've been to The Skate Farm, you'll know Tom. You might also know him as The Wizard of Skate.

The Wizard of Skate is Tom's coaching philosophy brought to life as a character — and it's rooted in a simple but powerful idea. Drawing inspiration from the journey of Dorothy and her companions in The Wizard of Oz, the whole approach centres on one belief: every learner already carries the courage, balance and confidence required to succeed. The coach's job isn't to give those things to you — it's to help you find them yourself.

Tom has been skating for over 40 years. That experience shapes everything about how he teaches — from the way he reads a beginner's nerves in the first five minutes, to knowing exactly when to push someone a little further than they thought they could go. His passion for the sport and his ability to bring out the best in people led to the creation of the Wizard as a character — a figure that represents the spirit of the coaching itself.

What impressed the Prestige Awards judges was the range of what Tom and his team deliver. Personalised one-to-one lessons. Lively group sessions. Festival appearances that bring the whole Wizard of Skate energy to new audiences across the UK. Wherever the Wizard appears, young beginners find their first sense of balance while more experienced riders sharpen their technique — all in an environment built on motivation, encouragement, and a genuine celebration of every small win.

That environment doesn't happen by accident. Tom has built a team of coaches who carry the same philosophy — so whether it's Tom on the ramps or one of the wider crew, every learner gets the same thing: belief in them before they believe in themselves.

When the award arrived in the post, Tom's response was typically understated: "Proud as punch. I love what I do and will always do what I love."

That's the Wizard of Skate in one sentence. Congratulations, Tom. It's well earned.