In partnership with various organizations, Tennis BC offers outreach programs for people of all ages and abilities. Please click below to learn more about our programs:
Program Description:
In partnership with Canucks Autism Network (CAN), Tennis BC is thrilled to have Dr Stephanie Jull to speak to our members about autism-spectrum disorders and the types of challenges that individuals with autism may face in a sports environment. It introduces coaches, recreation, and community sport leaders to a range of strategies for supporting individuals with autism in inclusive sport activities.
Program Description:
Girls in Action program provides an outlet for female students who need additional positive support and would benefit from enriching extra-curricular activities.
In partnership with the Surrey School District, Tennis BC organizes a multi-week tennis program that provides students with the opportunity to try tennis in an encouraging and fun environment. Through the program, the girls have the opportunity to build positive self-image, self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership skills, and community engagement.
The program encourages these students to get engaged in some positive activities, and to keep them active in the community outside of school hours. The goal of this program is to provide an enrichment opportunity for girls in grades four to six to acquire skill, knowledge, and understanding that is transferrable back into the classroom to support their development academically and to encourage them to become good community-based citizens in the process.
Program description:
Partnering with Robert Lee YMCA, Tennis BC offers introductory tennis lessons as part of the Canadian Fitness Connection program for newcomers to Canada! This is a free eight-week program for participants to meet new friends and explore Canadian life and culture!
Testimonial:
“I would like to express support and appreciation for Tennis B.C. and the assistance they have given our programming.
Over 2 years they have been a huge supporter of Immigrant Services at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, specifically in the Canadian Fitness Connection where they have provided instruction to newcomers for an Intro to Tennis session both at the Langara Family YMCA and the Robert Lee YMCA.
This session has given our participants an opportunity to practice the sport, some for the first time, and learn how they can get involved with the sport in the long term through community events.
In general, this session helps participants gain an understanding of how tennis can help them stay active and improve their mental health. Without the help of Tennis B.C. we would not be able to offer this portion of the course to our participants.”
– Adrienne Bale, Manager, Immigrant Services YMCA of Greater Vancouver
“It is always such a pleasure to have Matin do a tennis session with our new immigrants. Although the class is just 1.5 hours, they thoroughly appreciate his patience and knowledge and enjoy that time very much. For many, this is the first time they’ve held a racket.”
– Rebecca Naidoo, Facilitator, Employment and Immigrant Services, YMCA of Greater Vancouver
Program Description:
SOAR – Sharing Our Activities and Resources – is a program developed by three provincial sport organizations (PSOs), Tennis BC, British Columbia Golf, and Curl BC, to help elementary-school students experience three great sports.
SOAR programs are designed to develop what is called “physical literacy” – the basic movement kids develop to enhance their coordination. The program delivers FUN-damental movement, sport discovery skills, and physical activity in a safe and fun environment. It brings trained, sports-specific instructors to teach students the foundations of tennis, golf, and curling without the hassle of booking courts, fields or rinks. The sports are played at each school with customized programs and equipment designed for elementary-aged students.
About SOAR
SOAR started out as a pilot program in early 2012 to bring curling, golf, and tennis to rural communities all over British Columbia. Now, the program has grown thanks to support and funding from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the BC Sport Participation Program administered by viaSport.
This is what a participating teacher from Vancouver Island had to say about the program: “I would highly recommend this SOAR experience! It also motivated me to seek curling and golf activities for our students. Tennis, golf and curling are all great lifelong sports!”
Coaches and instructors are trained in delivery of the school-sport program that each organization offers, providing schools with high quality FUN-damental movement skill education programs at low cost.
The three programs offered include:
- Egg Farmers’ Rocks & Rings, presented by Curling Canada
- Tennis BC’s Learn & Play Program
- British Columbia Golf’s Playground to Fairway Program
SOAR is available in the following school district areas:
- #5: Southeast Kootenay
- #34-45: Metro Vancouver Region
- #57: Prince George
- #58: Nicola-Similkameen
- #61-63: Greater Victoria Regional District
- #64: Golf Islands (upon request, additional fee applies)
- #68-69: Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Parksville-Qualicum Beach
- #71: Comox Valley
- #72: Campbell River
How do I request a booking?
To request a booking, fill out the SOAR School Booking Form and return to pbartel@curlbc.ca. We will contact you within a few days of receiving your form.
SOAR Instructor/Coach Training Events
SOAR is hosting an Instructor Training Event in Surrey, BC, April 2-5, 2017. For more information or to register, please follow this LINK.
More information
For more information about the SOAR program in BC, contact Penny Bartel at pbartel@curlbc.ca or 604-333-3620.
