Key Details:

• Ages: 12-13 as of January 1st, 2026

• Cost & Program Dates:​

  • Full-Season Program: $1,710 (April 27th - October 31st, 2026)

  • Summer-Only Program: $1,315 (June 29th - August 21st, 2026)

• Program Hours/Schedule:

  • Full-Season/Summer-Only: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM - 3:30PM (after-school sessions in spring/fall)

​

The U14 Youth Sprint Program is a competition development program for sprint canoe and kayak athletes aged 12–13 who want to build strong technical skills, physical capacity, and racing confidence in a structured and supportive environment.

 

This program aligns with Canoe Kayak Canada’s Training to Train stage of the Long-Term Athlete Development model and forms the foundation of the club’s competitive pathway. Many athletes in this program continue on to National Championships and International competition opportunities as they progress through the system.

 

The U14 Youth Sprint Program is offered as either a full-season (May–October) or summer-only (July–August) registration, allowing families to choose the level of commitment that best fits their athlete’s goals and schedule.

 

Program Structure & Training Expectations

 

Athletes in the U14 Youth Sprint Program will train in an age-appropriate competitive environment focused on skill development and racing experience. Training includes:

 

• 4–6 sessions per week during the spring and fall

• Full-day programming during July and August

• Progressive on-water technical development in sprint canoe and kayak

• Dryland training, physical literacy, and basic race preparation
   

Athletes will have the opportunity to compete at local, provincial, and national-level regattas, including:

 

• Three regattas hosted locally in Carleton Place

• Ontario Championships in Ottawa on August 16th

• Additional regional and national events as appropriate
   

Commitment & Athlete Readiness

 

This program is intended for athletes who:

• Enjoy training and racing in a team-based environment

• Are interested in developing as competitive paddlers

• Can balance regular training with school and other activities
   

Athletes are encouraged to develop consistency, teamwork, and a positive approach to learning, supported by engaged parents and coaches.

 

Pathway Focus

 

The U14 Youth Sprint Program emphasizes long-term development over short-term results, while providing meaningful competition experiences. This program supports athletes who may choose to progress into higher training commitments in future seasons, including Academy, U16, and beyond.

Key Details:

• Ages: 12-13 as of January 1st, 2026

• Cost & Program Dates:

  • Part-Time Program: $900 (June 29th- August 21st, 2026)

• Program Hours/Schedule:

  • Part-Time: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

 

The U14 Part-Time (Half-Day) Program is a competition development option for sprint canoe and kayak athletes aged 12–13 who want to train and race while maintaining a more flexible summer schedule.

 

This program follows the same developmental philosophy as the full U14 Youth Sprint Program, with a reduced daily time commitment. Athletes will be introduced to technical skills, physical development, and competition in a supportive and age-appropriate setting.

 

The Part-Time Program runs during the summer months (June 29th – August 21st) and is ideal for families seeking a balanced approach to competitive sport participation.

 

Program Structure & Training Expectations

 

Athletes in the U14 Part-Time Program will:

 

• Train Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Develop fundamental to intermediate sprint canoe and kayak skills

• Participate in structured on-water sessions and basic dryland training

• Be introduced to race preparation, teamwork, and self-management skills
   

Athletes will have opportunities to compete locally, including:

 

• Regattas hosted in Carleton Place

• Optional participation in larger provincial events such as Ontario Championships in Ottawa on August 16th
   

Commitment & Athlete Readiness

 

This program is designed for athletes who:

• Are newer to competition or returning to the sport

• Prefer a shorter daily training schedule

• Want exposure to sprint racing without full-day programming
   

Parent support and athlete enthusiasm are key to creating a positive and rewarding experience.

 

Pathway Focus

 

The U14 Part-Time Program emphasizes skill development, enjoyment, and long-term participation, while providing a clear entry point into the club’s competitive pathway. Athletes may choose to progress into full-season or higher-commitment programs as their interest and readiness grow.

​

The U14 Sprint Academy Program is an invitation-only program designed for second-year U14 athletes who have demonstrated both the ability and the desire to commit to the high performance sprint canoe/kayak pathway. 

 

This program bridges the gap between foundational U14 racing and the demands of U16 and older performance-based training, with a strong emphasis on long-term athlete development rather than short-term results.

 

The Academy program is a 6-month registration from early May through the end of October, and serves as a preparatory phase for athletes who are expected to continue into structured winter training to support their ongoing development, ultimately transitioning athletes into year-round training.

 

Program Structure & Training Expectations

 

Athletes in the U14 Sprint Academy Program will remain age-appropriate in their competitive opportunities, while gradually being exposed to higher training standards. During the summer months, athletes will integrate with the U16 training group for 4–6 sessions per week, while still maintaining balance with U14-specific crews and expectations.
 

Commitment & Athlete Readiness

 

The U14 Sprint Academy is intended for athletes who are:

• Highly motivated to improve and willing to embrace increased responsibility

• Able to manage higher training frequency while maintaining school and life balance

• Interested in pursuing future U16, U18, and high performance development opportunities

 

Athletes accepted into the Academy Program are expected to approach training with consistency, maturity, and openness to learning. Equally important is parent support, as this program represents a meaningful step toward a more structured and demanding training environment.

 

Pathway Focus

 

This program is not about accelerating athletes too quickly, but rather about laying the technical, physical, and psychological foundations required for long-term success in sprint paddling. Participation in the U14 Sprint Academy Program signals an athlete’s intention to remain engaged in the high performance pathway, with the expectation that they will transition into winter training following the conclusion of the program.

 

Invitation & Registration

 

Enrollment in the U14 Sprint Academy Program is by invitation only. Athletes who are invited and choose to accept are committing to a higher level of training, education, and personal responsibility in support of their long-term development in the sport.