FUNDAMENTALS

For Males ages 6 - 9 and Females ages 6 - 8 as of June 30 each year.

The FUNdamentals stage is the second of three critical stages in the development of physical literacy in sport. During this stage children learn to move more efficiently, acquire fundamental movement skills and work on the ABCs - Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed - all in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. Ideally, children will be exposed to lots of different sports and activities to develop their physical abilities. On ice, speed skating programs focus on teaching fundamentals skating techniques and introducing speed skating specific skills.

RSSC coaches work hard to provide a positive training experience focused on essential technique development.  Strong core skills, introduction to structured practice sessions and building the coach/athlete relationship are all key areas.

RSSC coaches focus on at this level to ensure long term success in any sport.  Practices strive to develop skills via games, technique focused activities while also ensuring skaters feel part of the larger speed skating club.

FUNdamental group skate 2 nights per week. 

LEARN TO TRAIN

For Males 10 - 12 yrs of age and Females 9 -11 yrs of age as of June 30 each year.

Learning to Train is the most important stage for the development of sport specific skills (technique). It is also stage where participants may begin to more actively engage in competition, though preparation for competition is not the main focus of weekly practice sessions. While many children may begin to develop a preference for speed skating specifically,  for full athletic development skaters still need to engage in a broad range of activities and should continue to be active in two to three other sports throughout the year. Focusing on a single sport at this stage is strongly discouraged.

RSSC Coaches work hard to provide a positive training experience focused on high quality technique development and appropriate programming to provide skaters with the solid skills to progress further in the sport as they age.  Practice generally combines technique with additional fitness development and fun to provide the best mix for this developmental level.

Learn to Train group skate 2 - 3 nights per week and may also have additional training sessions or dry land activities to further their skill and fitness development.

TRAIN TO TRAIN

Males 12 - 15 yrs of age and Females 11 -14 yrs of age as of June 30 each year.

The Training to Train stage of development is one of the most important stages in an athlete's development.  Bodies are continually changing so training needs to be tailored to each athlete's individual growth and development. RSSC Coaches work hard to provide a positive experience, high quality, developmentally appropriate programming and careful monitoring during this stage of development to provide skaters with the solid foundation necessary to  remain active for life and/or pursue competitive sport objectives.

Train to Train group skate 3 nights per week and may also have additional special opportunity strength, fitness, nutrition and competition readiness training provided in addition to regular skating practices.

JUNIOR

Males 16 yrs of age & older and Females 15 yrs of age & older as of June 30 each year.

Junior level skaters practice along side Training to Train level skaters 3 times per week.  Most Junior level skaters have progressed through the developmental levels of speed skating.  Focus at this level is on technique refinement, competition strategies and strength & fitness development. 

RSSC Coaches work hard to provide a positive experience, high quality, developmentally appropriate programming and tailored training both on and off the ice to provide skaters with the skills needed to meet their individual goals.

Junior group skate 3 nights per week. Skaters will also be encouraged to participate in additional special opportunities focused on developing leadership, strength, fitness, nutrition and competition readiness.