July 12, 2017 (Edmonton, AB) – The University of Alberta (U of A) Nordic Junior Academy program is looking for a Learn to Train level coach for its Track Attack program. The U of A Nordic Junior Academy program is entering its second year for the 2017-2018 cross country ski season, following a very successful inaugural year in 2016-2017.

The program had 27 participants, split between 13 Junior Bears (12-15 years old), 9 Bear Tracks (9-12 years old) and 5 Bear Paws (6-9 years old). The team had many successes in its inaugural year, including:
– Consistent attendance from all 27 participants and very positive feedback from athletes and parents;
– A consistent race team attending Alberta Cup events numbering from 10-20 skiers at each race, with numbers
growing as the season progressed;
– Regular podium performances at Alberta Cup races across Mini-Midget to Juvenile age groups;
– 12 racers attending the Alberta Youth Championships with multiple podium performances;
– 8 skiers racing at Nationals; and
– 2 athletes selected to the Alberta Development Team for the 2017-2018 season.

Moving into the 2017-2018 season, the team is looking to continue its success by building on the previous season and securing coaching resources able to deliver a more comprehensive program, including the Learn to Train coach and a Train to Train coach. The program is delivered in collaboration with the University-level U of A team program and the coaching philosophy of the U of A University-level Head Coach.

The successful Learn to Train candidate will be expected to:
– Lead 3 sessions per week (evenings and one weekend day) from September 2017 to the end of March 2018,
expected to be 6 hours of coaching each week.
– Deliver technical development of the Bear Tracks group in support of classic and skate techniques, covering distance and sprint techniques on various terrains. Additional technical resources may be brought in to
supplement the L2T coach.
– Deliver strength & cardiovascular conditioning workouts based on a season plan delivered by a 3rd party expert. The Bear Tracks coach is not required to develop the season plan.
– Deliver mentorship and leadership to the group in training, including encouraging athletes to race or try
racing.

Required qualifications:
– NCCP CCI-L2T certification or willingness to work toward certification over the 2017-2018 season with CC (Community Coach) certification required.
– CANSI certification also viewed an asset.
– 2-5 years of previous cross country skiing coaching experience, preferably at the junior level.
– Cross country skiing racing experience at the junior, senior or masters level. Other competitive sports
experience considered a bonus.
– Experience working with 9-12 year olds.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications. Coaching development fees will be paid by the club. Expenses for attending out of town camps or races will be paid.

Please send you resume or any questions to Sian Barraclough at siantodd@telus.net.