Kids Junior Sport Spring Summer 2014

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Page 2—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Sports editor’s column

KIDS’ JUNIOR SPORT

Enjoy all junior sport has to offer Spring and summer are definitely my two favourite seasons of the year.

Sure the sunny skies, warm weather and bright nights thanks to daylight saving stand out as three positives in my book, especially after the cold mornings in winter.

But another reason why I get that extra spring in my step, pardon the pun, comes from the good memories I have from my childhood of this time of the year.

I took part in golf, stwimming and tennis, but there is no doubt which sport was number one for me.

As a kid, I loved cricket.

I couldn’t get enough of it, whether in the backyard, down the street with my mates or turning on the television to see the Aussies under captains Allan Border and Mark Taylor.

Players such as Merv Hughes, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and even the more obscure ones like Wayne Phillips and Greg Campbell attracted my fascination.

So when the time arrived for me to start my own junior cricket career I could not have been more excited.

Because our family moved around quite often during my childhood I played my cricket in three different states — Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

One season I remember vividly is when I was playing under-16 cricket in my home town of Newborough in the Latrobe Valley.

I would break the land speed record to get my afternoon paper round out of the way because of training on a Monday and Wednesday.

Friday was a similar story.

Our matches would start at 5 pm on a Friday night and then back up on Saturday morning from 8 am.

Even with the early starts I never needed too set an alarm clock.

Similar stories are repeated right across the Goulburn Valley throughout the springsummer period.

No matter what your chosen sport, I hope you derive the same enjoyment and experience that this writer gleaned from his childhood days.

You are an adult for a long time, so enjoy this time to be around your mates and have a bit of fun without a care in the world — because that is really what junior sport is all about.

Gregor Mactaggart Sports editor

Kids’ Junior Sport contents Shepparton Junior Tennis Jets Gymnastics Mooroopna Golf Club Shepparton Little Athletics Cricket Shepparton – Juniors Shepparton Swimming Club Total Ballet Sports Profiles Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Published by Shepparton News www.sheppnews.com.au Publications and advertising inquiries: Jamie Gilbert 5820 3184.

Features writers: Rhiannon Gavalakis, Sharon Wright and Alexandra Bathman.

Features editor: Corinna Boldiston.

Design: Brendan Cain.

Photography: Ray Sizer, Julie Mercer and Bianca Mibus.

A great way to stay fit at an all-weather venue!

PRICES

GOULBURN VALLEY JUNIOR

FUTSAL TOURNAMENT Spring/Summer 2014/15

Open to Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 All interested school teams must be submitted by 17th September 2014 More than one team per school welcome Please send all enquiries by text to 0419 317704 and forward email address for registration details.

WEEKEND BOOKINGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COURT HIRE & PARTIES

12 Kialla Lakes Drive, Kialla (03) 5823 2806 Email zulfo.s13@gmail www.olympicssportsarena.com.au

Soccer Netball Cricket Badminton Tennis Beach Volleyball Table Tennis Play Station Billiards Other Games Schools Parties

Competitions per person

Court hire per person

$10 $9 $10 $10

$50 $50 $50 $15 $20 $40 $5 $5 $2 $5

$8 $10 $10 $10 $5 per student $15 per child

‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014—Page 3

Shepparton Junior Tennis Association

Hit onto a sport for life The sport of tennis has been widely embraced nationally and internationally across age and gender lines and, locally, the continued success of the Shepparton Junior Tennis Association is proof of the game’s appeal.

For children, tennis presents an opportunity to increase fitness and coordination and can be enjoyed through team competition, individual or group coaching, tournaments or social play with friends.

Tennis is highly regarded as a sport for life, for all ages and abilities, and the opportunities for children to get into tennis and develop their skills have never been greater.

Sport: Tennis.

Age: 7 to 17 years.

When: Saturdays, October to March, excluding school holidays.

President: Andrew Sneyd 0421 804 572.

Secretary: Ann Murphy 0413 145 414.

Treasurer: Kelly Brun 0413 476 887.

Ladder secretary: Heather Lees 0408 579 322.

Website: www.tennis.com.au/sjta Membership: Boys and girls.

Uniform/equipment: Tennis racquet, tennis attire.

Competition travel involved: Yes. Practice/training commitment: At club’s discretion.

Activity duration per session: 2 to 3 hours from 9 am.

Affiliated clubs

From early tennis experiences as a junior, many players develop a passion for the game that serves them well and lasts a lifetime.

Shepparton Junior Tennis Association Going strong since 1962, Shepparton Junior Tennis Association has 16 affiliated clubs from across the region and provides a 15-round interclub home-and-away season for more than 90 teams.

Association competition gives players the opportunity to participate in a team against players of similar standard.

Matches are played from 9 am each Saturday from October to March excluding school holidays, with each child playing three sets.

Surfaces vary depending on the club and include natural grass, synthetic grass and hard courts.

There are 13 grades or divisions available to enter, with a variety of team compositions, some of which may comprise uneven numbers of boys and girls, allowing clubs of all sizes to field teams.

The competition begins with 10-andunder, using low-compression slower green balls, and matches are umpired by a supervising adult.

Children then play with standard equipment and can progress from F-grade up to A-grade as their skills develop.

Matches are supervised by adults, with the higher grades not requiring umpires.

Shepparton Junior Tennis Association

E-grade and F-grade are focused on doubles competition, learning the game and gaining confidence. A-grade to D-grade players also have the opportunity to play singles as well as doubles and mixed doubles.

There are also divisions which include singles and divisions which involve doubles only.

The top four teams in each grade, except 10-and-under, also play in a twoweek finals series.

Several clubs affiliated with Shepparton Junior Tennis Association also offer Tennis Australia programs for younger players including MLC Tennis Hot Shots and Community Play.

These programs are a great introduction to tennis and preparation for association competition.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots MLC Tennis Hot Shots is the easiest way for children to learn to play tennis.

Smaller courts, lighter racquets and low-compression balls that don’t bounce too high make learning tennis fun and easy.

There are three stages — red, orange

and green — as well as a launch pad stage that help to develop children’s skills and confidence.

Children progress from one stage to the next when they are ready, learning at their own pace and ultimately transitioning to a full-size court and regular tennis ball and racquet.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots coaching programs begin each school term and each session lasts for 30 to 60 minutes depending on which stage the child is at.

It is a fun and easy way to learn how to serve, rally and score, and kids love it!

MLC Tennis Hot Shots Community Play MLC Tennis Hot Shots Community Play provides a stepping stone for players between Hot Shots coaching and Shepparton Junior Tennis Association competition.

Children participate in the six-week program with the assistance of on-court parents and volunteers. Sessions last for 45 to 90 minutes. For players who have tried tennis at school, community play provides a link to play tennis in a club environment. n

Cosgrove South: Kathie Lowe 0423 930 705.

Dhurringile: Lisa Niglia 0428 266 310.

Dookie: Jacinta Harrington 0400 644 884.

Katandra West: Michael Clurey 0438 210 558.

Kialla Park: Wendy Baldwin 0407 040 357.

Kialla West: Simone Smith 0428 757 733.

Lemnos: Vivienne Jeffrey 0400 782 266.

McEwen Reserve: Greg Comer 0407 320 400.

Mooroopna Lawn: Jason Lenon 0412 947 759.

Nathalia Lawn: John Nihill 0429 685 533.

Old Students: Michael Mason 0419 874 103.

Shepparton Lawn: Dean Pritchett 0417 013 482.

Shepparton North: Wendy Sidebottom 0427 298 385.

St Brendan’s: Therese Kennedy 0411 368 977.

St Mary’s: Helen Betson 0458 253 835.

Tatura Lawn: Kerry Morse 0418 357 715.

Undera: Vicki Findlay 0409 260 123.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots When: School terms.

Activity duration per session: 30 to 60 minutes.

Uniform/equipment: Tennis racquet, tennis attire.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots Community Play When: Six weeks.

Activity duration per session: 45 to 90 minutes.

Uniform/equipment: Equipment supplied, tennis attire.

To find your local venue for MLC Tennis Hot Shots and Community Play go to hotshots.tennis.com.au and enter your postcode or town in the “Where can I play?” search box.

Orange Ball Competition What: SJTA is planning to run a six-week competition during Term 4 for children aged 7 to 9 years.

When: One night a week for six weeks.

Activity duration per session: 60 minutes.

Contact your club co-ordinator for more details.

Page 4—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Jets Gymnastics

Learn to fly — in Shepparton If you’re looking for a sport where your child can have fun, develop confidence and make new friends then gymnastics might be the answer.

Jets Gymnastics in Mooroopna fosters children’s personal growth while improving fitness, strength, flexibility and coordination — all in a fully supervised and professional environment.

Qualified and registered staff have passed Working With Children checks and take participants aged from infants to 18 years through the art of swinging, rolling, balancing and jumping in excellent facilities, which include fully sprung floors, balance beams, high- and low-ring bars, rings, trampolines (including 12 m to 14 m tumbling trampolines) and foam pits.

Established in 1991 in Eltham, Jets Gymnastics has expanded to centres in Gisborne, Mooroopna and Bendigo as well as a state-of-the-art High Performance Centre in Diamond Creek.

The Mooroopna centre caters for children of all ages and abilities and from beginners to the more experienced.

Programs The school holiday program is designed to help working parents and runs from Monday, September 22 to Friday,

October 3 from 8 am to 6 pm. It combines gymnastics with a new theme each day.

Cost is from $39 per day and $5 discount for each additional family member. If booked and paid online cost will be $34 per day and $5 discount for each additional family member.

Free Play (Children aged from one to five years) is a non-structured session supervised by parents with equipment set up to encourage learning through play.

There are two sessions every Friday, from 10.30 am to 11.30 am and from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm, excluding school holidays.

Comets (Kinder Jets 2 to 5 years) is a parent-assisted program specially designed for children and parents to learn together and is aimed at enhancing spatial awareness, social skills, motor movement and memory.

In Meteors (3 ½ to 6 years), children learn specific gymnastic skills such as rolling, swinging, balancing, mini handstands and mini cartwheels.

Asteroids (4 to 6 years) is an advanced class where children who have completed a year or more of Comets/Meteors learn gymnastics skills with an increased focus on body awareness.

Gymnasts in this program may head towards the squad program or continue into a Stars program (6 to 12 years).

Fun Gym Program provides students (5 to 8 years) with a range of gymnasticsbased skills including safe landings, rolling, jumping, swinging, climbing, balancing, cartwheels and handstands to develop strength, co-ordination, body and spatial awareness, flexibility and self-confidence.

In trampolining students learn basic skills, such as jumping and twisting, and develop strength, co-ordination, spatial awareness, courage and flexibility before progressing to somersaulting and associated activities.

Birthday parties lasting two hours with one-and-a-half hours of fun-filled activities in the gym and half an hour upstairs in the party room include games, trampolining, foam pit activities and parachute games.

Cost is $16.50 per child and requires a minimum of 14 children.

Parties are popular, so book early. The birthday child now has the option of having a turn on the bungee at the end of their party.

One hour of gymnastics a week is not always enough to satisfy every child’s needs so Stars and Gymstar two-hour programs provide the opportunity to improve basic skills and develop more advanced skills such as handstands and cartwheels, while working towards competitive level skills such as somersaults, flips and walkovers. n

One FREE come-and-try lesson For newcomers only. Booking

#

Jets Gymnastics

required, phone 5825 4228.

Jets Gymnastics Sport: Gymnastics.

Age: Infant to 18 years.

When: Weekdays, after school and Saturday mornings.

Where: Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.

Contact details: Centre manager Jacci Johnson, assistant manager Elise Gater or customer service team on 5825 4228.

Facts Membership costs: Annual registration $79 in 2014 (fee may change for 2015), Term 4 2014 $25.

Mini Jets term 4 – $25.

Classes start from $16.90; $5 for Free Play session.

Membership: Boys and girls.

Uniform/equipment costs: None required.

Practice/training commitment: Once a week/up to three days a week for squad.

Activity/session duration: One hour, oneand-a-half hours, and two hours.

Time of year: Same as school terms, with school holiday programs running.

Competition/travel: Optional.

Access for All Abilities program The Access for All Abilities program aims to provide greater opportunities for people with disabilities to become involved in sport and recreation activities throughout the Goulburn Valley.

Our program works with sporting clubs to develop inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. Valley Sport provides advice on how to make your club more accessible and inclusive, plus we offer grant information and support with funding applications. In addition to this, we assist clubs and community groups with the promotion of inclusive programs and the opportunity to educate coaches, officials and volunteers in disability awareness training.

Get involved today, speak to Dean at Valley Sport about how your club can embrace inclusive sport in the Goulburn Valley.

/ValleySport

@ValleySport

120 Numurkah Rd, Shepparton 3630 | Ph. (03) 5831 8456 | Email. dean@valleysport.net.au

‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014—Page 5

Mooroopna Golf Club

Kids swing into golf Golf is an excellent form of exercise, encouraging hand-eye co-ordination as well as offering numerous opportunities for social interaction for all ages.

It is popular among many juniors who enjoy playing nine or 18 holes on Mooroopna Golf Club’s picturesque greens during Christmas and Easter breaks. “Juniors are always welcome because they are the future of the club,� Mooroopna Golf Club’s secretary/manager Craig Prothero said. “We make sure they learn the etiquette of golf, and if they show any talent we encourage them to play in club golf days.�

Golf can be played on different levels depending on ability; some might just want an occasional hit, while others might play at competition level.

The handicap system puts all players on an equal footing, encouraging confidence while stimulating improvement. “Although you don’t need to practise to play, if you want to improve you do need to practise,� Craig said.

“Like most sports, the time you put in affects what you get out of it. “Golf provides an opportunity for juniors to achieve. “They can do a sport they love and, if they are good enough, can get paid for it.�

A member of Goulburn Valley District Golf Association, Mooroopna Golf Club supports its junior tournaments throughout the year and has reciprocal rights with other clubs in the area.

Mooroopna Golf Club resident golf professional Chris Donovan runs the Active After School program, which is designed to teach children golf skills and develop their basic movement skills.

Chris said the program used skills from other sports such as tennis and baseball to develop skills for golf.

He said activities using Frisbees, bean bag throwing, tennis and balance beams all helped develop golf skills and kept children interested. “It’s more about all-round co-ordination, movement skills, agility, strength and speed,� Chris said. “The golf swing is quite a complicated move.�

Chris said participants in last year’s program learned to swing the club with their left hand, swing one-handed on both sides and to swing with their eyes closed.

The Active After School program runs on Thursdays and Fridays between 4 pm and 5 pm throughout the year during school terms, costing $7 a week for 10 sessions per term.

Chris also conducts the Active After School program at primary schools throughout the region.

Mooroopna Golf Club’s facilities include a fully licensed clubhouse with panoramic views of the golf course, bowling-green, bistro and bar area, ATM facilities, secure car park, outdoor dining area, sports bar and disabled access.

A pro shop is attached to the club for the convenience of members and Chris is available for advice on all equipment requirements.

Left- and right-handed clubs are available for hire.

For more information about clinics, phone Chris at the pro shop on 5825 2811 or visit www.mooroopnagolfclub.com or www.donovangolf.com.au n

Mooroopna Golf Club Sport: Golf.

Age: Up to 18 years.

When: All year.

Where: Fairway Dve, Mooroopna.

Contact details President: Wayne Tonkes.

Vice-president: Gavin Madill.

Treasurer: Craig Marshall.

Secretary/manager: Craig Prothero.

Club professional: Chris Donovan on 5825 2811.

Facts Membership cost: $45/year.

Membership: Boys and girls.

Uniform/equipment required and cost: Clubs can be hired for $10.

Activity duration/session: Nine holes – two hours; 18 holes – four hours.

Time of year: All year.

Competition travel involved: None.

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Page 6—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Shepparton Little Athletics

Be the best you can be In the wake of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it is the perfect time to encourage your child to aim high and chase their dreams, by enrolling at Shepparton Little Athletics.

participate in the On Track Skills Program, which consists of skill-based activities and is designed to improve basic skills and coordination.

They can also participate in a modified program of track and field events.

From the under-8 division, children start competing in the full track and field program of five events — sprint, hurdles, long distance, jump and throw. This is rotated across three weeks, along with walks over various distances.

Relays are also included in the centre’s program. The group looks forward to its athletes competing in regional relays, with its stronger teams vying for state qualification. Its teams have won a few state titles over the years.

Team leaders make sure children have recovery time between events for a drink and chat.

Throughout the year, whenever children compete in an event they get points which are tallied up at the end of the season.

Awards are given for athlete of the year.

Club championships are held across three weeks towards the end of the season, with every child receiving a medal.

Children in the under-9 to under-16 age

Fun, new friends and fitness are some of the benefits children receive from Little Athletics.

Participants also learn a variety of key life skills and qualities such as respect, discipline and punctuality — all of which will stand them in good stead later in life.

The centre is not about competing to win — it focuses on improvement and promotes personal bests.

Little Athletics is often seen as a quality foundation sport. By learning general fitness, co-ordination and the fundamental elements of running, jumping and throwing, a basis is formed to go on to do well in other sports.

A number of athletes from Shepparton Little Athletics Centre have gone on to be top players in sports such as AFL, cycling, basketball and netball.

Under-6 and under-7 age groups can

groups can compete in regional events for an additional cost and go on to state level.

A cross-country season runs during winter.

Parents whose children belong to the centre find friendship and enjoyment, with some remaining involved even after their children have left. Parents can applaud the winner and equally cheer the athlete who finishes last.

The centre is for all young athletes — whether they enjoy running, throwing or jumping or just want to have fun and keep fit. Upon joining, all athletes receive an information booklet sponsored

by Shepparton News and a show bag from Little Athletics Victoria, which includes a booklet to record their performances.

Membership is affordable because there are no ongoing fees after the initial payment of season fees and club uniform.

Regional events are an added cost for those who want to attend. Entry fee and top is different to those of Saturday mornings.

Registration days are on Wednesday, September 17 from 4 pm to 5.30 pm and Saturday, October 4 from 9 am to noon.

Children must bring proof of age when registering for the first time. n

Shepparton Little Athletics Sport: Athletics.

Age: Under-6 to under-16.

When: October to March.

Where: McEwen Reserve.

Contact details President: Aileen Zanelli on 5825 1068 or 0407 044 111.

Secretary: Kerry Carson.

Treasurer: Sue Clark.

Registrar: Natalie Kirby on 0427 591 380.

Facts Membership cost: One child $95; two children $190; three children $260; four $300 and five $350. Register and pay online at www.lavic.com.au Membership: Boys and girls.

Uniform/equipment cost: Black shorts and runners.

Uniform: T-shirt $15 (required for Saturday competition). Competition singlet or crop tops available for purchase and are required for regional and state events.

Activity duration per session: 8.30 am to noon on Saturdays.

Time of year: October to March (crosscountry during winter). Program 1 starts at 8.30 am on Saturday, October 11.

Competition travel: None (regional/state events/open days only).

McDonald ’s Shepparton and Mooroopna restaurants are proud sponsors of the Little Athletics Association ®

‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014—Page 7

Cricket Shepparton — Juniors Cricket Shepparton — Juniors Sport: Cricket.

Age: 5 to 16.

When: October to March.

Where: Shepparton and surrounding areas.

President: Dave D’Elia.

Junior cricket director: Steve Dalitz 0412 122 271.

Facts

Fun and competitive Cricket is a great team sport which helps teach children about leading a healthy lifestyle, sportsmanship, and respect — all while having fun and fostering new friendships.

Cricket Shepparton’s junior cricket director Steve Dalitz said it was a sport for everyone to enjoy.

“There are different levels of cricket, so it is all-inclusive, you do not have to be at an elite level to play,” he said.

The perfect introduction to the game for young girls and boys aged five to nine years is In2Cricket.

This is Cricket Australia’s entry-level program, which provides children with a safe and enjoyable learning environment where they can build confidence while developing new skills.

Individual programs will be offered by the clubs.

When children turn nine, or are competent, they will be approved to play in the under-12 junior cricket competition.

Representative cricket is available for

selected players and Shepparton fields teams from under-12 to under-17.

Representative teams will initially be squads from last season, but club nominations for suitable players will be accepted.

Selection trainings are during October after the school holidays; information can be found on the Cricket Shepparton website regarding the selection and representative program, and representative squads are also announced on the website.

Matches are played on Sundays and are full games — 40 overs a team.

Cricket Shepparton teams also compete in various challenges, including the Bendigo Challenge; the Wangaratta Challenge; the McPherson Shield; and Country Week.

Mr Dalitz hopes a girls’ representative cricket team will be formed this year.

Girls can play cricket with local clubs across the weekend, joining the competition in under-12, under-14 and under-16.

They can be two years older than the boys when qualifying for an age group.

Girls are also invited to try out for

the girls’ Northern Rivers regional representative team, participating in training and a selection process.

The Northern Rivers regional team can compete at state championships.

From here, identified talented players have the opportunity to trial for state teams according to their age groups.

Selected players will compete at national championships.

The regional and state women’s cricket teams give girls the opportunity to further develop their skills against girls of the same standard, and make life-long friendships along the way.

Trials for under-12 to under-18 squads will be held in October.

Mr Dalitz said the children would also be educated about the “Spot A” depression and anxiety awareness program.

“Our first round will be dedicated to the program; all the kids will wear armbands that day and they will receive a card with information,” he said.

“It is a really early way of identifying depression.”

For more information, visit www.spota.org.au n

Membership cost: Prep to Year 4 — $55 to $70; Year 5 to secondary — about $60 (depending on the club).

Membership: Boys and girls.

Age groups: In2Cricket — five to nine years old, Junior Cricket — under-12, under-14 and under-16.

Uniform/equipment required: White shirt, trousers or shorts, runners and a hat. Clubs provide protective equipment.

Practice/training commitment: Training once a week (the day and time varies depending on the club).

Saturday games are 8.30 am to 11.30 am and the occasional Friday night and Sunday evening.

Activity duration per session: Game — three-hour match on Saturday (one-week and two-week games); training — two hours.

Affiliated clubs Old Students: Vince Gagliardi 0402 860 322.

Katandra: Paul Harry 0400 158 328.

Mooroopna: Daniel Ralph 0457 588 452 Lloyd Payne 0438 952 029.

Northerners: Lori Hall 0408 145 577.

St Brendan’s/Notre Dame: Rohan Lankin 0458 216 622.

Karramomus: Ken Claney 5821 8954.

Numurkah: Steve Morris 0459 701 091.

SYCUCC: Steve Tate 0457 340 682.

Tatura: Rohan Forster 0427 443 400.

Toolamba: Nathan Quinlan 0428 880 462.

Kialla: Vittoria Meola 0418 579 825.

Pine Lodge: Mathew Walker 0408 218 132.

Kyabram: Nathan Pell 0477 925 107.

Euroa: Chris Burke 0438 579 527.

Central Park: Peter Holland 0417 522 725.

To find your nearest club, visit www.playcricket. com.au and enter your postcode.

For more information on representative cricket, visit www.cricketshepparton.com.au To register for In2Cricket, visit www.cricket.com. au/in2cricket or contact the club of your choice.

For more information on girls’ cricket, visit northernrivers.cricketvictoria.com.au

Page 8—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Shepparton Swimming Club

A new era dawns at swimming club A new wave of junior swimmers is making a big splash at Shepparton Swimming Club heading into summer 2014–15.

A keen and committed group of 14 new faces have already joined the Shepparton ranks this season.

This is part of a major push by the club to bring on the next generation of stars to follow in the footsteps of established leaders such as club captains Nic Carroll and Hayley Hogan, and vice-captains Brennan Swift and Ashleigh Dunning.

Head coach Willy O’Callaghan said it was exciting to see so many new faces at training preparing to represent the club during the coming summer season.

“Our junior numbers had been dropping off a little bit, so our coaches and committee members have been working particularly hard in this area to build things up again,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

“So far the results have been really

encouraging and we hope it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

The new faces at Shepparton Swimming Club are Ryley and Haidyn Symes, Matthew Carter, Emma Weiser, Aaron Rudge, Meg Birchall, Ayla Jackson, Jack Puise, Hailey Wilson and Brandon Wilson, Baye Christopher, Pilan Fitzpatrick, Callum Stock and Dimitra Cacambouras.

The club conducts all its training sessions at Aquamoves, with new members initially training twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4 pm and 5 pm.

There is the opportunity to build upon this program over time, as each swimmer’s desire or performance requires.

“There are so many positives to our junior swimming program,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

“The kids tend to improve very quickly once they start competing, and this is great for their confidence, both as swimmers and in general.

“Our captains also organise regular social activities for the swimmers and

participation in the club. It is just a fantastic way for young people to keep themselves really fit and healthy.”

Another feature of the club is the numerous pathways available to young members, who invariably make great friendships with their fellow swimmers at Shepparton and other clubs; and in turn go on to become great role models for future participants.

The club also fully supports all types of swimming ambitions; from local meets to country championships, and Victorian titles to national competition.

Ms O’Callaghan said once people started swimming, it could become an addictive sport.

New membership and expressions of interest are taken year-round and interested parents should direct their initial inquiries to club registrar Jayne Guthrie on 0405 841 531.

For more information on Shepparton Swimming Club, go to www.shepparton. swimming.org.au n

Shepparton Swimming Club Sport: Swimming.

Age: Any. When: All year.

Where: Aquamoves.

Contact details Registrar Jayne Guthrie on 0405 841 531 or club email swimmingclubsecretary@gmail.com

Facts

Cost: Membership for one swimmer and one non-swimmer (a parent or guardian as required by Swimming Victoria) is $164, which includes membership to Swimming Victoria and Shepparton Swimming Club.

Membership: Boys and girls.

Uniform/equipment required: Not compulsory.

Competition travel involved: Yes, but optional.

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‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014—Page 9

Total Ballet Total Ballet Sport: Classical ballet, jazz, modern dance, contemporary, hip-hop and tap dance.

Age: Classical ballet from three years and jazz from four years.

When: Weekdays from 4.30 pm.

Where: 46 Midstar Crt, Kialla.

Contact details Principal: Megan Lloyd 0407 522 106.

Website: www.totalballet.com.au

Facts Membership: Girls and boys.

Practice/training commitment: Once a week for juniors and two to three times a week for older students.

Activity duration per session: 30 to 90 minutes, depending on level.

Uniform/equipment required: Not compulsory for younger students; $30 to $60 for full outfit for seniors.

Uniforms are sold through the school.

Cost: Varies according to student’s level and ability.

Competition travel involved: Yes, but optional.

Dance dreams a reality for all ages Total Ballet has gone from strength to strength since it was established

by Megan Lloyd seven years ago with the help of her sister Bianca Wren.

The sisters wanted to share their passion for ballet, which started at a young age.

Both learned ballet from the age of four and trained in the Cecchetti method.

They completed teacher training with the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet and have implemented its syllabi at the school.

Megan and Bianca continue to enjoy teaching at Total Ballet.

“The ACB training program was developed by former Australian Ballet principal dancer Christine Walsh,” Megan said.

“It is based on the Russian training method developing strength, technique, flexibility, dynamics and performing quality.”

Total Ballet offers Kinder Dance for children aged three and four years, focusing on basic ballet and free movement that lets students learn ballet basics while having fun.

The school’s next step is Beginner Ballet for children aged four and five. This class introduces students to the ACB program.

Students who continue ballet after completing the Beginner Ballet class move on to the full ACB training program that includes examinations/assessments to help them progress and develop their technique.

Total Ballet also offers jazz/hip-hop

classes to students from the age of five.

Age and ability-based classes range from beginners to advanced.

The jazz/hip-hop classes use jazz to teach the students dance technique then routines are taught in jazz and hip-hop genres.

Students from the age of five can also undertake a beginner tap class that teaches basic tap technique in show and street tap styles.

Its senior classical students also do pointe work, contemporary/lyrical and stretch classes to help them develop their dance.

All students have the opportunity to take part in the concert held at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre at the end of each year.

“It is a chance for the students to showcase what they have learned

throughout the year,” Megan said.

Boys and girls are encouraged to try dance at Total Ballet.

Class sizes range from about five students to 15 students.

Joining Megan and Bianca in the staff, Phoebe Perkins taps into her classical expertise, Chelsea Baker teaches jazz/hiphop and Jemma Conellan is returning to teach ballet, jazz and contemporary/lyrical.

Total Ballet’s studios in Midstar Crt, Kialla are purpose-built with fully sprung floors to help reduce the risk of injury.

Both studios are airconditioned and heated.

There is a large waiting area/room for parents and siblings as well as change rooms for students. n

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Page 10—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Sport profiles

KIDS’ JUNIOR SPORT

Young swimmer Ryley Symes said the Shepparton Swimming Club helped him smash his personal best times in the pool.

Racing to personal bests

By Rhiannon Gavalakis

Grahamvale Primary School student Ryley Symes says he loves to swim because it is a fun sport that drives him to reach his best.

The 11-year-old joined the Shepparton Swimming Club this year, and said he had already improved on his personal best times by three to four seconds.

“I started swimming lessons when I was two years old and I just continued on from there,” he said.

“I joined the Shepparton Swimming Club

this year because I was ready for it and I was really interested in swimming, I’ve loved swimming ever since I started.

“I enjoy it because it clears my mind and I can just be me.”

He said he couldn’t pick just one favourite stroke; it was a toss-up between freestyle and backstroke.

The young swimmer competes in Shepparton and surrounding regions, and recently competed at the Victorian Country Short Course Championships.

“I went really well and made personal bests

in both of my strokes,” he said.

“I was 20th in my backstroke and 26th in freestyle in country Victoria.”

But for Ryley it isn’t the competition against others that spurs his passion, it is the race against himself.

“It’s about trying to make personal bests and getting better,” he said.

“It is more about seeing how you can push yourself.”

Ryley said the club taught swimmers how to do the strokes properly and how to do longer distances, “without getting puffed-out”.

“It has helped me, and the coaches are great because they all have backgrounds in swimming,” he said.

“They know how to help you, and they provide encouragement to keep you on track.”

Ryley said another great benefit of the club was making lots of new friends.

“I never really knew anyone here at the club before, but now I know everyone,” he said.

“They encourage and support you as well.”

Ryley’s focus is set on continuing to enjoy the sport he loves, but he also hopes to reach state and national levels in the future.

Chelsea loves the challenge of gymnastics

By Sharon Wright

Shepparton High School student Chelsea Webb loves all aspects of her chosen sport, gymnastics.

She loves the friendships she has made, the skills she has learned and the challenge of constantly improving her fitness levels and knowledge.

The 13-year-old went along to a come-andtry session at Jets Gymnastics in Mooroopna four years ago and was hooked.

Now she trains three times a week for three hours each session, and is a member of the senior squad which competes in Melbourne and Geelong during the competition season.

Flips, walkovers, tumbling passes, splits and somersaults are practised and perfected under

the guidance of the Jets Gymnastics coaching team.

During competitions Chelsea competes on the floor, beam, uneven bars and the vault.

“The floor is probably my favourite. I like that I get to help plan my routine,” Chelsea said.

She enjoys training and is careful to warmup and cool-down properly to avoid injury.

“I learn so much from my coaches, they always explain what they want us to do and then we practise and practise,” Chelsea said.

“I love the fitness from gymnastics and I’ve made some great friends.”

Chelsea lists 2010 World Champion (floor), Commonwealth Games medallist and Olympian Lauren Mitchell and fellow Jets

gymnast Isis Lowery as her role models. Isis trains with Jets Gymnastics’ Diamond Creek centre and Chelsea has enjoyed watching her perform at competitions.

Chelsea’s mother Vicki Webb said the sport suited her daughter as it fostered personal improvement as well as having the team sport element.

“At competitions the gymnasts compete as individuals but then those scores are added together to give the overall team result,” Vicki said.

“Chelsea is very determined, if she is set a challenge she will work hard to try and achieve it.

“Gymnastics has given her the opportunity to continue to improve.”

Jets Gymnastics senior squad member Chelsea Webb trains three times a week to refine her skills and routines.

‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014—Page 11

Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet

Free three-week trial.

See below for details.

More than just dancing From graceful pirouettes to modern jazz leaps, a dancer’s life all starts with their first step into the studio.

Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet could be the perfect place for your child to tap into their passion for dance, with origins of the academy traced back to the 1960s.

Principal Melanie Coats said classes were offered in classical ballet delivered through the Cecchetti method, as well as modern jazz classes.

More than just learning movements, dance has a range of social and physical benefits and it is also a lot of fun.

“The children love the freedom of dancing; we do a mixture of learning basic ballet and improvisation where they can make up their own dance,” Melanie said.

The kinder year just before children start primary school is the perfect time to enrol in dance class, as it can help your child learn how to concentrate and to work well with others.

“It can help them with all sorts of things; it doesn’t matter if they don’t go on long-term with it, as it can help with other dance forms and activities as well,” Melanie said.

“We use a lot of props at pre-school age, such as toys, ribbons and tambourines to keep them interested — it’s just for fun.”

But it is never too late to start, and

Melanie said she often had older children coming to the school as well.

“We get quite a few Year 11 and 12 students who have been involved in musical theatre at school who then come to us wanting to learn dance,” she said.

“It is a lot easier if they start earlier, but it is still possible later on.”

Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet has had several students accepted into prestigious dance schools, including Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.

Former student and dance teacher Emma Daniel started dance classes at the academy at five years old.

Emma, 22, is currently pursuing her love of choreography at the Victorian College of the Arts.

“There is so much to say about what I like about dance, I don’t know where to start,” Emma said.

“It’s the way it makes you feel; you get so much joy from dancing.”

There are optional exams in June each year — for students five years and older — which help motivate the students and provides them a mid-year focus.

Boys are also welcome in classes, with shows including So You Think You Can Dance bringing male dancers to the forefront.

Melanie said the annual end-of-year concert also catered well for the boys, with a range of roles to suit their interests.

This year’s concert will be Under the Sea Adventures and A Christmas Carol while jazz will have a Michael Jackson theme.

“The concert brings everyone together in the story, we have big rehearsals in November and they get to mix with all the ages,” Melanie said.

“It inspires the younger students, they get to see the older kids in pointe shoes and it makes them want to keep going with their dance.”

Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet students have the opportunity to enter a choreographic competition in Melbourne each year.

“They get to choreograph their own dances, and they can perform as a solo, duo or group in any dance form,” Melanie said.

“It gives them the chance to perform on a stage in Melbourne with costumes and make-up as well.”

Melanie said summer school was another highlight for the students, with dancers 11 years and older able to apply each year to go to a five-day live-in dance camp at Melbourne University.

“They dance for five days from 9 am to 9 pm, and on the last night they put on a performance for the teachers, which is made into a DVD which they can buy and take home to show their family.

“It gives them the opportunity to see what it is like to be a full-time dancer.” n

Free trial Goulburn Valley Academy of Ballet offers a free three-week trial for newcomers, so they can see whether dance is right for them.

Facts Sport: Classical ballet and jazz.

Age: Classical ballet from four years and jazz from seven years.

When: Weekdays from 4 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 5.30 pm.

Where: Sound Shell Hall, 41 Welsford St, Shepparton.

Contact details: Principal: Melanie Coats on 5821 8306.

Website: www.gvballet.com.au

Facts Uniform: Girls require a leotard, skirt and ballet shoes and boys need shorts, a T-shirt and ballet shoes.

Cost: $110 a term for one class a week of ballet or jazz.

If the student is enrolled in ballet, the jazz class is offered at half price at $55 a term.

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Page 12—‘Kids’ Junior Sport Spring/Summer 2014’, September, 2014

Active living in Greater Shepparton Greater Shepparton Sporting Chance Do you or your children want to play a sport or join a sporting activity club or group?

Are funds the only thing stopping you?

FamilyCare, Get Mooving Greater Shepparton and Greater Shepparton City Council can help!

Residents may apply for scholarships up to the value of $250 per applicant.

Round two is now open and will close on 26 September 2014. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be assessed after the closing date. The applications will be assessed by an independent panel.

For further information about the Sporting Chance funding contact: Ron Garner at FamilyCare on 1300 854 944.

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Midsters (10–13 year old) Monday 22 September Monday 29 September

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Join in for the Summer season

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