DARK HORSE ATHLETIC
SPRING PROGRAMS HAVE STARTED, BUT WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE ROOM
FOR ONE MORE.
*See below for details
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT RESOURCES FOR ATHLETES, COACHES AND PARENTS:
WHAT IS DARK HORSE?
Dark Horse is a multi-sport program for ages 6 to 14. Through specific drills, games, and challenges, kids develop balance, core strength, footwork, hand-eye coordination, proper running form and so much more.
It's fun, it's challenging, and it's always changing...
In simple terms, we put a priority on:
FUN
Most kids quit organized sport every year because it becomes less about fun and too much about wins and losses. If it's not fun, it defeats the purpose of why you want kids involved, so it's our first priority.
GROWTH MINDSET
Successful people know failure is a part of the learning process. It's not something to fear - it's how you get better. We intentionally set up our program in a way that encourages kids to challenge themselves to learn and get better. We've had tremendous success with kids who believed they didn't like competition, or even sports.
PHYSICAL LITERACY
We have some great coaches and we teach certain skills that kids aren't usually exposed to, not the least of which is the correct running technique. Most importantly though, because physical literacy is the goal, we keep it fun, we keep it challenging and we keep changing it up!
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Calgary, AB
Where: Webber Academy 1515 93 Street SW
Dates: Mondays or Tuesdays, April 8/9 - June 10/11
Mondays: 4:45 - 6 PM (Outdoors)
Tuesdays: 5:45 - 7 PM (Indoors)
Cost: $288.75 (includes GST)
Victoria, BC
Where: Juan de Fuca Rec Centre
1767 Island Hwy, Victoria
Full details and to register: https://explore.wspr.ca/Westshore/public/category/browse/dark_sa
To register: please download this form, fill out and return to info@darkhorseathletic.ca
Please note: "athletic" not "athletics"
Please note:
1. We specialize in dryland and/or complimentary training programs for youth sport teams/organizations.
2. We consult with schools, school boards, and communities about physical education programs.
Reach out for more info!
GREAT COACHES
Duff Gibson
MKin, University of Calgary
World and Olympic Champion, skeleton
"Youth sport is about personal
growth and fun. Dark Horse
is about promoting both."
Grace Dafoe
Canadian Development Team, Skeleton
BHPE, Mount Royal University
“Exposure to multiple activities positively impacts a child’s physical literacy journey and also encourages them to choose sport and recreation as they progress through life.”
Jennifer Foster
BPE, BEd University of Alberta
Pandas Field Hockey Player
Physical Education Teacher
“Life is fed by movement. I am passionate about providing a variety of movement opportunities for kids that are fun and give them the confidence to be lifelong movers!"
Ethan Geelen
BHPE in Physical Literacy
Mount Royal University
Multisport with a focus in basketball.
"If kids have a reason not to be active,
it should never be that it's not fun."
Niki Oudenaarden
Team Canada, Heptathlon
"We can learn a lot from kids; their ability to laugh, smile, and play without inhibition. I want to continue to teach kids how to find the FUN in fundamentals as they try new sports, learn about their abilities and realize nothing is impossible."
Hayleigh Hettrick
Team Alberta, Speed Skating
"I love giving kids the opportunity to be creative and teaching them to enjoy sport for its own sake, for the rest of their lives."
AFFILIATIONS
TESTIMONIALS
"During my term [as president], Trails West Hockey Association pursued a pilot spring development program for our athletes who wanted to continue beyond the traditional hockey season. Our board mandated that any such program would require a dryland component to focus on the development of athletes, as opposed to limiting athletes to specialized hockey skills. Dark Horse was selected to provide the dryland component.
Following the 2022 pilot program, we conducted a member survey on various elements of our spring program and the Dark Horse run dryland was the highest rated element in terms of athlete value and enjoyment. We're on the third year of the partnership now."
- Mark Sawyer
"Our son has been in Dark Horse for awhile now and we have been so impressed from day one. When he started, he was unsure if he would belong in this program. He loves sports but is often overlooked or has not been given the opportunity to get better. From the first day at Dark Horse, he felt at home and his confidence has grown. This program is not just about athletic ability. This program teaches the kids all the best life lessons: work hard, challenge yourself, be kind to others and have fun while doing it. The fact that they develop better physical literacy at the same time is an added bonus. Every session includes a motivational lesson as well. I could not have asked for anything more. We are so grateful to Duff and the whole Dark Horse team."
- Kathleen H.
"It is our first time with Dark Horse and I wanted to say how impressed I was by your program. I have 2 boys registered and they are 18 months apart and complete opposites. My younger son, who feels he is not good at sports because he is always comparing himself to his older, athletic brother, was picked to lead the warm up. At the end he was recognized by one of the coaches and he turned to look back at me to see if I had heard. I had. I was so happy for him. Thank you so much for fostering the love of exercise in children." - Karyn S.
“Two fundamental misses that I see with youth sport these days are that players specialize way too young and coaches forget that if it’s not fun, then ultimately players just won’t stick with it. I’ve known Duff Gibson for a number of years now and he is a great communicator of values and principles that allow athletes to both succeed on the playing surface while having fun and most importantly, growing as individuals.”
- Jim Peplinski, Former Captain Calgary Flames
"We discovered the Dark Horse program a number of years ago, when our youngest son Nick was at a low point in his life. He was always really big for his age which left him trying to catch up in terms of his coordination. As a result he had lost all self-confidence. Since joining Dark Horse, he has gained so much! Not only is he confident in himself again, but he has been brave enough to try new sports. He has come to love basketball and running and is not afraid to fail. He has been lucky enough to be coached by some truly remarkable people, and although he has aged out of the program now, I can tell you he always came home after each session with a smile on his face." - Jennifer B.