11/26/2018
New Smashball Parent-Player Program for January. Details below:
Hi parents,
I'd like to invite you to be part of the Smashball program in Westlock this winter. For those new to the program, it is an introduction to volleyball with some modifications to make it more fun and age appropriate.
here is one major change i'd like to institute - more involvement of the parent...
We are copying the Ontario Volleyball model of Parent-Player learn to play program:
It aims at providing parents and kids who have never played the sport of volleyball previously, with a unique and inspirational first engagement to the sport. The program is designed for a parent and their child to spend quality time on the court together participating in physical literacy activities, volleyball skill development and learning how to relate sports skills to life lessons. Parents must be fully dedicated to being actively involved in this program as both parent and child participate in the physical portion of the session and work side-by-side to more effectively learn the skills.
If the parent is not able to play, they would be required to find a suitable substitute (grandparent, aunt, ...). Having a parent involved is ideal.
Please see the video at this link for an explanation of the program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5y-S8FfJio
Why Choose this Approach?:
By engaging and educating parents, children are much more likely to have a positive sports experience beyond the term of this project.
By engaging parents and teaching them the fundamentals of volleyball, clubs will also start to build up the base of knowledgeable volunteers. Participation in the program may also encourage parents and children who otherwise would not consider coaching/officiating - to move in that direction and participate in volleyball for a longer time.
By providing a quality first engagement sports experience we aim to increase athlete retention and an improve the likelihood of lifelong participation in sport for both child and parent.
This program would be for 2nd-4th grade students. Parents must commit to joining their child and the pair must attend the majority of sessions.
Cost is $60/child - payable by cash or cheque (to Westlock Volleyball Club) at the first session. Session dates are Friday's Jan 18 - Mar 15 (except Feb 8 - teachers convention). 4:30-5:30pm at RFStaples. 8 sessions total.
I'd like to set a maximum of 24 kids in the program. If you have more than one child enrolled, the expectation is that a 2nd adult join you to partner with one of the kids. If you have 3 kids enrolled, please contact Kyle directly to figure out a solution.
If you have a child in grade 5/6 that you would like to get involved in volleyball, I'm looking at beginning an "Atomic Volleyball" 12U program as well (http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/node/47). Ideally it would run at the same time as Smashball in the small gym at RFS. It's a transition toward competitive club volleyball for older kids. Players would practice in a more competitive environment with appropriate height nets. They would spend half of the time learning skills, and half of the time playing games. This would give the older siblings something to do while the younger ones are in the parent-player smashball program.
If this is something that you would be interested in, please let me know. If there are enough players to make it feasible I would need to find a coach to run it - if it were popular enough with the older players they could practice more frequently and even compete in 13U Volleyball Alberta tournaments. If there is enough interest, I will come up with a plan and fee information for you.
If you're willing to help coach the Atomic program i would appreciate it - please let me know.
FYI, if the older siblings feel they are not challenged enough, there are Club volleyball teams in Westlock for kids in grade 6-8 to compete at a much higher level. Tryouts are right away and in early December. Contact me if you would like more information.
Please fill out the registration form at the link below for either the Smashball Parent/Player program (grade 2-4) or 12U Atomic Volleyball (Grade 5-6)
https://goo.gl/forms/lKotXAYIteI2L0AJ2
Ontario Volleyball – Smashball is a modified version of the game, invented by Peter Van Der Ven of the Netherlands, designed to fit the Canadian Long Term At...
