Bradford & District
Skating Club
BDSC Programs
CanSkate /
Hockey Edges & Development
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CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
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Who’s it for?
For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
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Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
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What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
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What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
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What do you need to participate?
All you need are skates, a CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
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Hockey Edges & Development
This program is designed for skaters ages 4-6 who are able to stand and move around on their hockey skates. The focus is to development edges and skating skills in preparation for playing hockey. Full equipment is worn from commencement, however use of a hockey stick will be integrated dependent on edges and skating progression.
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Private CanSkate
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Who is it for?
The BDSC is pleased to provide private CanSkate coaching this year. The program has limited enrollment and is designed for those skaters wishing to have a one on one experience. It would be suitable for teens with little skating experience, adult learners, CanSkate and CanHockey participants looking for individualized programming, hockey players wishing to up their game with PowerSkating, and adaptive skaters requiring individualized programming.
Junior Stars
(Star 1-3)
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STARSkate — Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition — this is what STARSkate is all about! STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format.
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BDSC offers a junior star program for skaters wishing to continue the sport of figure skating beyond the CanSkate level in a group setting. Skaters who wish to continue in a group program while they focus on the skills needed for Figure Skating may enroll in STARSkate Junior Stars after completing Badge 5 of the CanSkate program. In Junior Stars, the skaters will begin working on the StarSkate program levels 1-3 (field moves, edge development, spins and jumps, turns and more. )
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Skaters in the Junior Stars Program may obtain additional private coaching. This decision is made between the skater and parent.
STARSkate Junior/Intermediate
(Star 1-4)
BDSC offers a full range of programs for skaters wishing to continue the sport of figure skating beyond the recreational level and after a successful Star 1-2 tests. The Skate Canada Test System allows skaters to have their skills assessed by their coach as required according to national standards.
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Skaters enrolled in the STARSkate Junior/Intermediate program must obtain a club coach who will coordinate programming for the skater. Skaters must purchase a two (2) day ice membership and contract a head coach. Coaching is arranged privately. Skaters at this level skate on "Open" ice sessions.
STARSkate Senior/Competitive
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The Senior program is for skaters who have completed their Junior Bronze Skating Skills or Junior Bronze Freeskate or Senior Bronze Dances and are competing at a Freeskate STAR 5 level as a minimum.
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The Senior program is for the top level STARSkate skaters. Some Senior Skaters may also be making the move into the Competitive Skate stream. While not compulsory, a skater who is ready to move on to the Senior level will generally have completed their Junior Bronze Freeskate, Junior Bronze Skills or Senior Bronze Dances. Private coaching is mandatory at this level and consultation regarding a skater's program with their coach will ensure the skater is ready for the fast pace of a senior session. Skaters at this level may skate on Open or Senior session ice.