Some renderings of plans for the new space at John Paul II Collegiate that will be used for the academy program. (Submitted/Light of Christ Catholic Schools)

By Angela Brown

Fall 2023 start date

Light of Christ to launch new sports and arts academy

Feb 3, 2023 | 3:03 PM

Light of Christ Catholic Schools (LOCCS) is getting ready to start a new sports and arts academy for youth.

Director of Education Cory Rideout is excited about the program, saying it will be a good opportunity for youth to develop their skills in sports and the arts.

The Crusader sports academy will provide a hockey program for Grades 6 to 9 (U13 and U15 programs), running Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Access Communications Centre in North Battleford.

“Through our research, we learned that if student-athletes want to progress in hockey or any other sport, the sport-specific training must occur earlier rather than later,” Rideout said in the release. “The on-ice sessions will focus on the improvement and refinement of hockey skills, while the off-ice sessions will focus on high-performance training, sports psychology, nutrition, and other components that athletes need to know and understand in order to progress.”

LOCCS entered into a partnership with Trach Power Skating and Skills, which will provide on-ice instruction and programming for the hockey academy.

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Participants will receive two on-ice and two off-ice sessions per week. In the spring, programming will shift focus to other sports and activities that will help youth develop their skills further.

Rideout said with hockey such a popular sport in the community, the academy will offer youth an opportunity to expand their skills.

The cost of the program is still being determined, but Rideout believes it should be reasonable. More details will be provided when they are available.

“We have a staff member that is going to oversee the program that’s no stranger to the community as a whole or to the hockey community in the region as well,” Rideout added. “Bruce [Yockey] will do a good job of this.”

Registration for the sports academy will start Feb. 15 at 9 a.m.

For the Crusader Arts Academy, the program will offer performing arts, band, and music instruction for Grades 8 to 12 at John Paul II Collegiate.

“A major aspect included in the planning of our renovation and addition project for John Paul II has included building a new stage in the commons area along with a modern learning stair for seating,” Rideout said. “This new area will also be equipped with a new servery, complete with a commercial kitchen, so we will also have the ability to host events with food services. Our plan is to expand our existing art, drama, and music program, beginning in September of 2023.”

LOCCS hopes to get as many kids involved in the sports and arts academy approach to learning as possible. Both programs will be designed to meet curricular outcomes for specific courses.

“We’re really excited,” Rideout said. “The staff is excited about this program, and I hope the community is excited about this program. We’re doing it for our families and our kids. We’re doing it for the Battlefords. We want to make the Battlefords as best as it can be.” .

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow