Mini-Skiers
I have an ambition to bring skiing into school playgrounds up and down the country, and create a way that children and families can enjoy snowsports together, in a fun way and close to home. It's great fun getting to grips with the balance, coordination and skills on skis, which could lead on to anything, from a fun challenge, a fitness activity, to going on family ski holidays, or even taking up the sport as a competitive thing.
The programme includes ski awards, a racing programme and numerous challenges, and most of all fun! The programme is flexible, and we keep all the equipment in a van, so we can bring it in to any school playground or park, wherever you are.
The mini-skiing programme is aimed at 4-11 year olds, after which they can move on to junior rollerskiing club groups including the Junior Development Programme and other development pathways. I'm really keen to get parents involved as well - so do come along to sessions and get involved, whether on skis or just helping out. You'll quickly meet some of the other "Super-Parents" who help us do so much more for your children.
I have some ideas of how to introduce even younger children to the sport, so watch this space for the micro-ski programme!
The programme includes ski awards, a racing programme and numerous challenges, and most of all fun! The programme is flexible, and we keep all the equipment in a van, so we can bring it in to any school playground or park, wherever you are.
The mini-skiing programme is aimed at 4-11 year olds, after which they can move on to junior rollerskiing club groups including the Junior Development Programme and other development pathways. I'm really keen to get parents involved as well - so do come along to sessions and get involved, whether on skis or just helping out. You'll quickly meet some of the other "Super-Parents" who help us do so much more for your children.
I have some ideas of how to introduce even younger children to the sport, so watch this space for the micro-ski programme!
Do you want to get involved? I'm keen to bring skiing into school playgrounds up and down the country. If you'd like me to get your school involved, then we are currently looking for schools in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London who are keen. If that is you, please drop me an e-mail - flic@thamesvalleyendurance.com.
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Learning Through Play
One of the things that I have learnt from Roy Young, Chief Coach of the British Nordic Ski Team is about learning through play. He's shown me how the best way to teach children to ski is to play loads of silly games, and actually the best way to teach adults to ski is to play a lot of silly games, but it is harder to convince the adults! Therefore much of what we do in the mini-skiers sessions is playing rather than "proper" skiing, but as you watch, you will see them gaining skills, balance and coordination. The games we play actually helps them to learn aspects of the sport - so there is method in my madness...
There are a huge number of skills needed in cross country skiing, so one child might be particularly good at balance, another may be more agile and another stronger - so they will all find different things easy, and different things challenging.
There are a huge number of skills needed in cross country skiing, so one child might be particularly good at balance, another may be more agile and another stronger - so they will all find different things easy, and different things challenging.
Ski Awards
There is a series of ski awards for mini-skiers to help them develop their skills. We've named them after animals from snowy climates, so the children may also learn something about zoology along the way! The basic idea of them is outlined below, and you can click on the links to get more information about each level. As the programme develops and we learn from all the great people involved, we may tweak the criteria of each level from time to time, but the basic gist will remain:
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Mini Race Series
We'll be making sure that there is a great series of events for juniors to get involved in. It's important that they have a good time and they race over shorter distances than adults. Another thing I have learnt from the British Nordic system is to teach children to ski fast, and then ski fast for a long period of time. Therefore there will be a different selection of events for these young people, and I am keen for them to represent their schools, under the umbrella of the Thames Valley Club, meaning that your school will get the benefits of any of your pupils achievements.
The next races suitable for Mini-Skiers are:
The next races suitable for Mini-Skiers are:
- 2nd May - 3km Race at the Olympic Park, East London, organised by London Region Nordic Ski Club. You will need to be an Arctic Fox before you race (check with Flic if you are in doubt). We will support you at the race and provide equipment, for the normal session fee of £5, plus your £4 entry fee. Enter here by 28th April...
- 5th July - Team Sprints at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit, West London, organised by London Region Nordic Ski Club. You will need to be an Arctic Fox before you race (check with Flic if you are in doubt). We will support you at the race and provide equipment, for the normal session fee of £5, plus your £4 entry fee. Enter here...