The Exeter Skating Club, now in its second year of the three-year Skate Ontario Club Modernization Pilot Program presented by Jackson Ultima, is already seeing meaningful progress across the many moving parts that go into running a successful skating club. With coaches, board members, parents, and skaters working together, the club has strengthened its group on-ice programming, improved its governance, and launched a brand-new off-ice program to better support its athletes.
At its core, Club Modernization gives clubs a clear framework for success. It combines standardized on-ice and off-ice training with strong governance and operational best practices. By pairing quality coaching with foundational off-ice physical literacy, the program helps skaters build athleticism, confidence, and a renewed love for the sport.
Now in her sixth year as President, Tiffany Morley is proud of the club’s progress. “We now have the Jackson skate bank and a skate sharpener that we started using through the modernization project. It’s been great because the money we’re investing stays within the club, so we can put it toward future needs. Our board has also improved a lot—we’re really focusing on staying organized and keeping everything accurate.”
Before joining the pilot program, the club had never offered an off-ice training component. When asked what she is most proud of since launching the initiative, Tiffany didn’t hesitate to highlight the impact of the new program. She’s seen benefits that go far beyond on-ice performance. “I think we’re most proud of the off-ice program and just how it has impacted the skaters both on and off the ice, but also their relationships with one another and the support they give each other. It’s brought the kids together more.” The skaters themselves have noticed the difference too. STARSkater Nicole says, “It’s improved my spirals, stretching, and balancing,” while Faith adds, “It’s helped me jump a lot higher and with better balance.”
Skate Ontario is grateful to have Jackson Ultima as the presenting sponsor. During the 2024–2025 season, the six participating clubs benefited from the Jackson Skate Bank, providing access to top-quality equipment and expert guidance. “One of the biggest benefits of the Jackson Skate Bank for our club is that it removes a major barrier for new families. Having properly fitted, good-quality skates available right away means skaters can start with equipment that actually supports their development,” coach Katrina Jeromkin explains. “It also helps our coaches, because we know the skates are safe, sized correctly, and appropriate for the level. For parents, it takes away a lot of the guesswork and stress around choosing the right skate, and it makes the entry point into skating much more accessible for everyone.”
Last Thursday, Exeter SC welcomed special guest, Adam Schumacher, Sales Manager from Jackson Skates, who led an engaging and informative session on skating equipment for skaters, parents, and coaches. Participants were eager to learn, asking questions and picking up tips to improve their gear care. STARSkaters Nicole and Faith shared what they learned: “I learned you need to dry off your whole skate,” said Nicole, while Faith added, “I learned that you need to take your skates out of your bag to dry.”
Looking ahead, Exeter SC is building on the lessons learned during the first year of the Club Modernization
Program to continue shaping the future of its skaters. Coach Katrina highlights the long-term impact: “The modernization program is going to help shape the future of our club by allowing us to start out young with the kids and get them into early development. Including the off-ice program is going to help them progress more quickly as skaters… it’s really meshing together well for the skaters. It also allows us to focus on where those kids want to go with their goals and put our energy into helping them achieve those goals early on.” With these initiatives in place, the club is poised to foster stronger athletes, more confident skaters, and a supportive community for years to come.
“I think what we’re seeing in Exeter is exactly what the Club Modernization Project is about. The volunteers, the coaches, and the whole community have really embraced the idea of building a stronger, more sustainable club. It’s not just about the on-ice programming—though that’s improving too—but about creating an environment where everyone understands their role, feels supported, and is working toward the same long-term vision. Exeter is a great example of what’s possible when a club is willing to lean in and try new things.” – Adam Schumacher, Sales Manager of Jackson Skates.
