Alexandra Sports Institute to begin play this fall

“It’s for the AAA hockey player as much as it is for the dancer or the gymnast or the football player,” he says. “It’s also designed for students that might not be involved in sport right now but have a real passion and interest for developing their ability.”

The institute is built on a holistic approach and will target areas that are common among all sports.

“So regardless of the sport or activity you are involved in, things like sports performance, mental psychology, strength and conditioning, mobility, nutrition as well as a character and leadership part to it,” says Samuelson.

He says the AMS Sports Institute students will be together most of the time. There will though be chances for athletes to work on sport-specific needs.

“We feel that the dancer has a lot to teach the football player and vice versa and so having a well-rounded group of athletes will only make each other better and stronger in their sport,” says Samuelson.

Samuelson is excited about the team assembled for the program, saying it’s a balance between school teachers and outside experts.

Tom Wilde from Badlands Training Centre for mobility training, Megan Hilgendorf for strength training and Janay Gregory for sport and performance psychology are among the non-school coaches.

One of the priorities is that every student, regardless of their family’s financial situation, can participate. Samuelson says a portion of each class will be reserved for those that need financial support.

The institute costs $700 per year in Grade 7 and 8, and $735 in Grade 9. AMS will fundraise and work with local grant-giving organizations to ensure funds are available so all students are able to participate.

The institute hopes to develop students that love sport and staying active and will take that with them for the rest of their lives, says Samuelson.

He adds they want to develop better citizens as well and character development and leadership will also be part of the programming.

“It’s really open for anyone regardless of their ability or regardless of the sport that they are involved in,” says Samuelson. “It might even be the person that really enjoys going outdoor for hikes, they will benefit from what we have to offer just as much as that student who might be competing at a really elite level but wants to take it to the next level.”

More information is available on the AMS Sports Institute website.

by Chris Brown

Alexandra Sports Institute to begin play this fall

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