The program is an introduction to the sport of ball hockey for children between the ages of 5-9.
The once a week 90 minute clinics were FREE to all participants and graduated over 120 registered members in the program. All of the participants received a CSA approved helmet, gloves and stick and the goal of the program is to provide a fun environment for players to be introduced to hockey skills and to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment to increase the following attributes; self confidence, social interaction and technical skills. The clinics are split into four drill components in the first hour which include a variety of drills to improve stick handling, passing and shooting which end with a thirty-minute scrimmage.
As a follow up to the successful program we would like to share a few comments from parents.
Feedback - I would like to commend your instructors, Rob and Chris, on their outstanding commitment and efforts in making the Learn to Play program and a very enjoyable experience for both children and their parents. Their enthusiasm towards the program would serve to encourage these children to continue participating in ball hockey in the future. The parents have already communicated their immense satisfaction with the program and hope to see the continued development of ball hockey in their neighbourhood.
Once again, I must commend the efforts of your instructors and the quality of programming demonstrated in their classes.
Feedback - Just wanted to drop by a note of great thanks for an amazing first time experience on behalf of my boys.
Coming into this was from a novice experience into the game of hockey, we were merely looking to develop game knowledge and practice. This is all what we thought possible.
However, going into the final weekend, we could confidently state we received a lot more than we can hope for! The level of exercise, game, team building and most of all personal development and interest in game that has been attained totally exceeded what we thought could be attained in the 9 brief weeks that we have had.
Your coaches Rob and Chris truly exemplify how hockey coaches, mentors and teachers should be! They pushed our boys to be their best combining both teaching and fun to their style. Their love for the game and teaching young ones, not just the game but life practices and skills to succeeding such as listening, is most evident and we can only hope to have them back in future.
All one has to do was to watch them play their first game in week 1 and compare that to the last weekend game and you could see what was evident which was greater confidence, working as a team rather than individual, understanding the game protocal and when to move forward and then drop back defensively, having fun and encouraging each other congratulating each other on a goal.
This was definitely a recipe for life success not just hockey! A big thanks to your coaches and we look forward to hearing back when the fall session resumes as additional friends from my boys school await an initial experience as ours! A program such as this should be offered on our school curriculums.
Lastly, a personal thanks to Rob for truly inspiring my youngest to rise up and shine! He now looks at the game of hockey with such bright eyes!
Thank you for the greatest sports experience to date and look forward to your next one!!
Feedback - I would like to take this opportunity to thank and appreciate all who organize this program. Kids really had great time and had fun.
I strongly support and look forward for continuation of this program in future.
Feedback - My children thoroughly enjoyed the ball hockey lessons, and look forward to the next session.
We were very impressed with all aspects taught including discipline, listening and following instructions, teamwork, and skills. Coach Rob and Coach Chris were very patient, motivating, understanding and fun.
We cannot wait for the next session!
The participants will now extend into the Ontario Ball Hockey Association Minors program beginning in May and next session for the City of Toronto begins in October with the program extending to other communities across Ontario in the coming months.
The clinics are sanctioned by the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada (NBHAC) and administered by certified instructors of the OBHA.
The OBHA is a not-for-profit organization and would like to thank the hockey suppliers who have donated 180 sets of new hockey equipment for the program which includes helmets, neck guard, gloves, arm & chest protector, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin pads and hockey bag.
For current and new members of the OBHA, we offer a step-by-step DVD which outlines the four components of the LTP program in addition to a Coaches Manual and video.
For more information on the Learn To Play program and Growing Through Sport, please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for information on how to get started in other provinces contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.