The Sooke Skating Club has opened registration on Sept. 4 for the upcoming skating year.
According to coach Lindsay Haldane, response has been slow due to the drawn out summer weather.
“It’s a little slow but it’s pretty normal. It’s nice and sunny and warm out and a lot of people don’t think about getting back into the arena,” she said, adding that so far, there has been some newcomers interested in joining.
“We’re getting a lot of new interest, which is great,” Haldane said. “We’re looking forward to it and we got some new things going on with the club.”
New additions include the Pre-Power and Learn-to-Skate programs.
Pre-Power is for new skaters, aged three to six, who intend on joining hockey or ringette programs.
According to the Sooke Skating Club website, the program is designed to teach kids, “to get up and move forwards unassisted, and to develop balance and agility skills.”
And suitably, the program offers the option to participate in full hockey gear.
Learn-to-Skate, for kids aged three to six, is designed for children who have never received formal skating lessons.
Lessons will focus on stand up and moving forwards unassisted and an introduction into gliding and balance in a fun, play-oriented environment, states the Sooke Skating Club website.
Returning programs include CanSkate, the Junior program and Synchronized skating (beginner and junior).
Haldane said having local skating programs in Sooke is something the club hopes to continue.
“The club has been running since the arena opened so it’s been a long time, and we want to make sure that we’re there for the future as well,” Haldane said.
“Having something here in Sooke is awesome, our kids aren’t going out to the West Shore which is great.”
Program fees are to be determined.
To register, contact the club at sookeskatingclub@gmail.com
For more information on the club and its programs visit: www.skatecanada.ca/sookeskatingclub