Welcome, Ancaster Skating Club, to the Skate Ontario Member Spotlight page!

There truly is something for everyone at ASC. The club proudly delivers high-quality programming for skaters of all ages and stages — from Pre-CanSkate through STARSkate — along with specialty programs including PowerSkate, Parent & Tot, Synchronized Skating, and Teen/Young Adult CanSkate.

We invite you to learn more about Ancaster Skating Club by reading the Q&A below with the club!

Can you tell us a bit about your club’s experience in the Skate Ontario Club Modernization Program? How has this been going?

“As part of the Club Modernization Program, our STARSkate sessions have transitioned to a more communal coaching structure, with an emphasis on building foundational skating skills. At the beginning of this season skaters worked really hard on power and edge control—and parents heard some complaining along the way! But we think this is paying off in skater confidence when being assessed and when competing. Our lead coach in the Modernization Program, Elena O’Brien, has noticed an improvement in our skaters’ program component scores at events this season, which is very rewarding. The combination of group lessons and individual or small group lessons gives skaters more active movement time during their session and an opportunity to learn from many different coaches. Our skaters are also really enjoying the games-based off-ice sessions, which is also supporting their on-ice skill development (without them realizing it!). We are grateful for our dedicated coaches and their willingness to embrace these changes.

We started the skate borrowing program as part of the Club Modernization Program. This has been very popular. It helps skaters experience the benefits of quality supportive figure skates without having to commit to a big expense. Not only does this set skaters up for success, it’s also an opportunity for board members to connect with newer skaters and their families, strengthening our sense of community.”

Ancaster Skating Club recently shared a new Strategic Plan, are there any highlights of this new plan that you would like to share with us?

“The thought of creating a Strategic Plan seemed like a gargantuan task. We appreciated having Kate McNeil (Director, Club and Skating School Services) lead us through healthy discussions about the role our club for skaters, coaches, parents, volunteers and within the greater community. Generating a Strategic Plan was a lot of work but having it helps our board make decisions and prioritize tasks. We have a roadmap for staying true to our Mission, “We deliver inclusive Skate Canada programs in Ancaster and the Greater Hamilton Area to promote lasting participation in skating through teamwork, quality coaching, achievement, fitness and FUN!”

The word FUN is emphasized because its so important to ASC. We appreciate the fun atmosphere cultivated by our coaches and believe this will foster a lifelong love of skating.

As part of the Community Engagement pillar of our Strategic Plan, we’ve been working on strengthening ASC’s presence within our shared arena. We’re proud to now see ASC logos on the ice and are working towards having a dedicated display area to highlight our club through photos, plaques, and memorabilia.

Ancaster Skating Club has started a recent partnership with Ancaster Girls Softball. We are working together to promote our two clubs. This will increase ASC’s presence within the wider community. We encourage our skaters to be well rounded athletes who stay in sports.

Many of our strategic plan objectives centre around recognition and celebration of skaters. We are working together with coaches to facilitate awarding certificates of achievement to skaters on a regular basis as an opportunity for skaters to feel proud of their hard work.”

How does your club/school create and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for its skaters, coaches and volunteers?

“Respect is one of the core values in our Strategic Plan. Placing respect at the core of everything we do helps our club create and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for skaters, coaches and volunteers. We promote a culture where coaches and volunteers are treated with respect, and valued for their contributions, and skaters at all levels are supported and celebrated.”

What makes you most proud to be a part of the Ancaster Skating Club?

“I’m proud of Ancaster Skating Club because we have a great community of skaters and coaches. I am constantly learning and improving on my skating skills. The coaches work with each skater helping us grow.” – Avery G., ASC Skater.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding club and all of its achievements. Thank you, Ancaster Skating Club, for your continued dedication and the positive impact you make in your community.