Whitchurch-Stouffville
children and young teens who don’t know how to skate can learn free of charge
this fall, thanks to a local program being offered for the fourth year.
Learn
to Skate is aimed at girls and boys aged 5 to 14 years old who want to learn
the fundamentals of skating.
The
program, which is being supported by Hockey Canada, is fully sponsored by
Stouffville’s Kids First Fund.
“It's all
about building community through skating,” Peter Harmsen of the Kids First
Fund. “We know there are kids and teens in Stouffville who have never been on
skates. We want to give them that opportunity to hopefully pick up a pastime
they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.”
Beginning
October 15, 2025, the program runs for 10 sessions on Wednesdays from 6:15 to
7:15p.m. or 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. on Pad B of the Stouffville Arena, 12483 Ninth
Line, Stouffville.
Registration will open on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m.
Click
the links to register:
Fall 2025 Learn to Skate Registration Form (2018 - 2020) 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Fall 2025 Learn to Skate Registration Form (2011 - 2017) 7:15 - 8:15 pm
A
second program will be offered in the new year for children interested in
trying hockey. Spots
fill up quickly for these programs and once all spots are filled, a wait list
will be created. Participants
will spend one hour on ice each week with a very high ratio of instructors to
skaters. Instructors will include facilitators from the Ontario Minor Hockey
Association Coaching Program and local volunteers. Each
participant will receive a complimentary jersey. Participants
will be sized for hockey equipment and provided a checklist of items they need
during an orientation session.“ They’ll
learn the fundamentals of skating,” said Harmsen. “And we hope this program
will encourage them to come and try hockey with the Whitchurch-Stouffville
Minor Hockey Association, Stouffville Markham Stars Girls Hockey Association or
the Stouffville Figure Skating Club. It allows children who are unsure about
playing hockey the opportunity to try without committing to an entire season. “But
if they never play hockey, they’ll know how to skate.”
Kids
First has been funded by generous donations from local families and events and
the Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund.