HIGH RIVER, AB, November 24, 2015 – Foothills School Division and Global Sport Academy Group, collaborators on enhanced hockey programming for grade 7-9 student athletes through the Foothills School Division Sports Academy, are now recruiting for three new programs for the 2016-2017 school year:
- Introduction of a grade 10 boys’ hockey program at École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School/Alberta High School of Fine Arts.
- Introduction of a combined grade 7-9 girls’ hockey program at École Okotoks Junior High School.
- Introduction of a combined grade 10-12 girls’ hockey program at École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School/Alberta High School of Fine Arts.
The move follows the success of this year’s new hockey program at École Okotoks Junior High School, which has attracted 46 boys in grades 7, 8 and 9, and one grade 9 girl.
The three new programs are subject to sufficient interest and enrolment.
“We are encouraged by the level of interest and support from students and families in the first year of our collaboration with Global Sport Academy Group,” says Foothills School Division’s Superintendent of Schools John Bailey. “We are always striving to enhance our program offerings to meet the needs and interests of students. Expanding the boys’ hockey program to the high school level will enable students graduating from junior high at the end of this school year to continue in the hockey program, while we see a definite need for similar programming for female hockey players.”
With Canada’s success on the international stage, female hockey has grown exponentially.
“According to Hockey Canada, since the first International Ice Hockey Federation World Women’s Championship in 1990, female hockey registration increased by a whopping 256 per cent between 1991 and 2010,” explains Mark Maloney, CEO, Global Sport Academy Group. “This is a trend we’re certainly seeing in Okotoks and other local communities where more female hockey teams are being added to the minor hockey systems on a year to year basis.”
Global Sport Academy Group will host an information evening on all of the programs planned for the 2016-2017 school year on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. at École Okotoks Junior High School, (1 Pacific Avenue in Okotoks).
About Foothills School Division Sports Academy – Hockey Program
Our student athletes are like minded individuals focusing on academics, leadership and a love of sport. They strive towards a high performance lifestyle, and becoming outstanding young leaders and citizens in the community. Students train on the ice at the Okotoks Recreation Centre three days per week, and focus on academics, multi-sport components and character education off the ice. This year, grade 8 and 9 students are participating in a mentorship program through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Okotoks and École Percy Pegler School in Okotoks. All grade levels also participate in a series of “MindfulAthletics” workshops on the link between positive mental health and athletic achievement, and the importance of sport/life balance.
About Global Sport Academy Group
Global works with some of the top players in the game and program coaches have a vast array of experience at all levels of the game from professional down to the grassroots.
Global co-founder and CEO Mark Maloney has been a leader in the sport industry for the past 20 years. He has been part of building very successful sports academies, mentorship programs, and has worked with key leaders in the game during this time with the goal of enhancing and changing the delivery and growth of the sport of hockey on the world stage. As player development coach with the NHL’s Dallas Stars organization, he was part of the AHL affiliate Texas Stars team that won the 2014 Calder Cup. He is also CEO of “TheDrillBook”, a revolutionary coaching platform and app featured around the world and endorsed by numerous provinces and associations.
Jamie Fox, Director of the Foothills School Division Sports Academy hockey program, focuses on positive teaching methods and ethical decision making in his role as a mentor and development coach. His philosophy is built on values such as respect, passion, integrity, work ethic, and character. Over the past 15 years, Jamie has earned a reputation as a valued leader in skill development for players and coaches throughout the hockey industry. He was also the hockey development lead for one of the largest minor hockey associations in Atlantic Canada.
For more information and to apply online for the 2016-2017 school year, interested students and families may visit www.globalsportacademygroup.com