Junior Program
U12
Junior Program | U12 |
Coaching Staff
Junior Program Director: Micheline Lemay | mlemay@mmsca.org
U12 Head Coach: Ben DeBenedictis
Junior Program Philosophy
In the MMA junior program our missions are: SAFETY, FUN, and FUNDAMENTALS. We strive to educate athletes on how to be safe on the hill, on the lifts, socially, emotionally, and of course physically. Next we strive to keep it fun - if they aren’t having fun they won’t want to do it. Learning by doing and keeping it fun will help instill the passion for the sport. Once these other two pillars are in place, the learning takes place. Everything we do from freeskiing the mountain, directed freeskiing, structured venue training, to gate training are all integral pieces of the puzzle. We strive to follow the US Ski Team training matrix. We will follow a monthly progression of directed drills and gate training to reiterate the fundamental skills of the sport. We take those skills, put them into structured training and build confidence, strength and skills to apply to their races. As we know it is not all about what happens on snow, we also look at each child with a holistic lens to help them grow in all aspects including strong character development. This is a program where children will grow in many ways with weekly discussions on nutrition, sportsmanship, what it takes to be a good teammate and friend, confidence, mental training, goal setting, competition prep, respect, equipment, etc.
The U12 program is designed to continue to improve basic skiing fundamentals through free skiing, drills, and gate training. Prior racing experience is not required to participate with this group, but strong skiing skills are. While there is a substantial amount of free skiing, this is a race-oriented program.
The Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) schedules a series of approximately five GS and/or SL races around Northern Vermont for U12 athletes. VARA and USSA licenses are required to participate in these races.
The U12 program is designed to continue to improve basic skiing fundamentals through free skiing, drills, and gate training. Prior racing experience is not required to participate with this group, but strong skiing skills are. While there is a substantial amount of free skiing, this is a race-oriented program.
The Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) schedules a series of approximately five GS and/or SL races around Northern Vermont for U12 athletes. VARA and USSA licenses are required to participate in these races.
General Schedule
Tuesday: 1 - 4 p.m. (additional charge)
Wednesday: 1 - 4 p.m. (Academy only)
Wednesday: 1 - 4 p.m. (Academy only)
Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. (additional charge)
Friday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Junior Program begins first Saturday in December, and includes training during school vacations. The program ends at the end of March.
Equipment:
For more information on all required equipment, please see our Equipment Recommendations sheet.
Equipment:
For more information on all required equipment, please see our Equipment Recommendations sheet.
Communication Channels
During the season, all information and updates will be sent through the SportsYou app. Information about joining SportsYou will be sent to registered participants before the start of the season. Outside of the season, or for prospective members looking for more information about the junior program, please feel free to communicate directly with Junior Program Director, Micheline Lemay (mlemay@mmsca.org). There will also be time for meetings between 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Please communicate by email to schedule and confirm.
Lifelong Skier Mission
Exploring the mountain, having fun, learning by doing, and exposure to gate training and competition as well as character development are pillars of the program. Both directed and undirected free skiing and drills are also a big focus with the age group. We believe that learning to go as fast as possible and instilling a lifelong passion for the sport go hand-in-hand.
Lifelong Skier Mission
Exploring the mountain, having fun, learning by doing, and exposure to gate training and competition as well as character development are pillars of the program. Both directed and undirected free skiing and drills are also a big focus with the age group. We believe that learning to go as fast as possible and instilling a lifelong passion for the sport go hand-in-hand.
