NATIONAL JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
USA Curling is excited to announce the National Junior Development Program (NJDP).
Young athletes who aspire to elevate their curling abilities are invited to join our National Team umbrella through this new program. The vision of the National Junior Development Program is to help cultivate USA Curling's Olympic athletes of tomorrow through providing young and motivated athletes with resources utilized by the National Team.
Athletes within the program will be able to consult with a National Team Coach, have increased access to off-ice training and preparation, and be invited to join an eight-part webinar series that will feature guest speakers and educate on the foundations of becoming an elite competitor.
The National Junior Development Program is $200 per athlete and includes the following resources from August 29, 2020, through May 2021:
National Performance Virtual Camp
August 29, 2021 – 4 hours
This virtual camp will be hosted by Jessica Schultz (Director, Women’s National Team & Juniors) and Mike Peplinski (National Junior Development Coach). Both Mike and Jess bring their experiences from the Olympics to speak on the intricacies of team dynamics, importance of off-ice mental and physical training, and the overall foundational structure of being a competitive athlete. Mike and Jess will be joined by the National Team Trainer, Mike Gulenchyn, and Sports Conditioning Specialist, Charlie Boehm, to create a one-of-a-kind virtual educational experience.
Training App
Athletes enrolled in the NJDP will have access to USA Curling’s sports performance training app that will be overseen by Charlie Boehm. This app provides an area where workouts are assigned and National Coaching Staff can interact with this app to track the progress of athletes.
Access to NJDP Coach, Mike Peplinski
Athletes enrolled in the program will have unlimited access to Mike Peplinksi. Mike will be a resource to consult on a variety of topics, provide feedback on technical aspects of the game, as well as help provide information on how to elevate yourself as a player both on and off the ice.
Webinar Series
Athletes enrolled in the program will receive access to an eight-part webinar series that will be hosted on the first Wednesday of each month. Each session will dive deeper into a topic related to being competitive on the ice and will host a variety of guest speakers who are specialists on the topics. A few examples include: sports psychology, team dynamics, fundamentals of delivery, learning to win, basics of shot execution, practice planning, etc.
NJDP Camp
May 14-16, 2021
The May Camp is planned to be on-ice in Chaska, MN and at the Training Haus. The camp is valued at $500, but athletes enrolled in the NJDP will receive a $200 discounted rate. The intensive camp will include on and off-ice training that includes physical testing, breakout sessions with National Team athletes, schedule and team planning for the 2021-2022 season, networking, and setting expectations and goals moving forward. The May camp will kick start the following season’s NJDP group.
Discounted Virtual Training Consultation
Charlie Boehm is offering discounted rates for those interested in taking training one step further. Athletes will have access to one-on-one virtual consultation where Charlie will educate on a variety of topics and incorporate curling-focused workouts. Some topics include exercise progression, ground base stretching, dynamic stretching, and core strength. Athletes in the National Junior Development Program will receive a discounted rate of $25 per session.
Why should athletes participate in the program?
Provides education and information on the necessary steps to becoming an elite curling athlete
Participants will be able to network with other like-minded athletes who are aspiring to be Olympians
Opportunity to gain education from National Team Coaches and Athletes regarding the development of various aspects of the game
Provides athletes an opportunity to demonstrate their drive to elevate their playing ability
Minimum requirements to apply:
Must be under 21 years of age as of June 30, 2020 and competed to qualify for the 2020 Junior National Championships, or the 2020 U18 National Championships
Who should apply?
Athletes aspiring to represent the US on a National and International stage
Athletes who want to sharpen their on-ice curling skills
Athletes who want to connect with the National Team Coaching Staff and have access to additional resources used by the National Team
Athletes who want to make improvements in off-ice areas of physical fitness and mental skills
USA Curling looks forward to extending resources to motivated junior athletes and thanks you for considering joining our National Team umbrella!
If you are interested in joining the National Junior Development Program, please register by clicking here by August 8, 2020!
If you have any questions about the new program, please contact Jessica at jessica.schultz@usacurling.org.
