We are excited to announce the evolution of our youth programs: The Cycling Co. DIRT SQUAD
The Dirt Squad Youth Mountain Bike program is open (by application) to male and female riders aged 10-20 years of age.
This mountain bike focused program will involve group training, skills development and ongoing coaching for competitive riders (or riders wishing to become competitive).
The program is divided into several cohorts:
- Dirt Squad Racing Development Team – U19/U21
- Dirt Squad – Ages 14+
- Dirt Shredders – Ages 12+
- Dirt Rippers – Ages 10+
Riders will be encouraged to try XC or Enduro racing. The team will attend selected Vancouver Island events. (events TBD)
THE DETAILS
The Dirt Squad is coached by Adam Walker and our team of experienced, PMBIA certified coaches.
Adam has served as the Athlete Performance Specialist for the Norco Factory Team, a Skill Development Coach contributing to Cycling Canada’s National Team programs, BC Provincial Team Coach and is himself a former Canada Cup XC Champion.
We strive to ensure that your young rider improves their skills and has the opportunity to excel through world class coaching.
With this in mind, we ensure that all of our coaches and instructors are National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained or Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA) certified. We want to make absolutely sure that we have the best professional coaches and instructors available.
2024 PROGRAM
The DIRT SQUAD program is comprised of two components – mid-week afternoon programs in the Cowichan and Langford areas, and a Saturday program, running at various locations year-round (with the exception of break in December).
HOW TO APPLY TO THE DIRT SQUAD 2024 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TEAM
YOU’VE GOTTA WANT IT.
Rock Star Riders wishing to be selected may apply for limited spots and will be chosen based on attitude as much as ability. We are looking for riders who display leadership qualities, who are motivated, who are responsible, and who show up for practice ready to ride, work hard, have fun, and treat each other, their coaches, and other trail users with respect.
It is our goal for these young athletes to become empowered individuals who are leaders amongst their peers. We aspire that these riders are so much more than just mountain bikers. It is our aim to develop the whole person as well as create a great athlete.
For this reason, we ask that riders write us a 300+ word letter and tell us why they want to be a part of this movement.
- How does riding make you feel?
- How has riding changed your life?
- What do you hope to accomplish on your bike?
- Why are you a great candidate for Dirt Squad?
These can be tough questions for a young rider, but we want to know. We want to know because we want them to think about it. We want riders to begin to understand the importance of setting goals. We want them to dream big and to believe that anything is possible.
Please email your application to [email protected]
LET’S RIDE, LET’S RACE!
The other objective of the DIRT SQUAD is to provide competitive opportunities. Racing might not ultimately be for every rider, but for a lot of us, it can be a heck of a lot of fun! The mountain biking community is an incredibly supportive scene where riders encourage each other and form life-long friendships.
Kids play soccer, hockey, and many other sports in a fun, competitive environment. Cycling can be the same! We aim to embrace and focus this competitive energy in a positive environment.
Sport can teach us many valuable lessons. It is not just about podium placings or medals. Sport teaches us much about ourselves and how we affect the world around us.
As such, Dirt Squad will have a presence at many Island Cup events and riders will be encouraged to try at least one race.
Riders will have the option to purchase DIRT SQUAD team clothing and Cycling Co. clothing at discounted rates.
Program Fees:
An annual Dirt Squad membership fee of $200.00 per calendar year,
PLUS
A quarterly program fee for each of the midweek and Saturday programs.
*The quarterly fee only applies if the rider registers in that quarter’s programs.
THE DIRT SQUAD PROGRAM IS FLEXIBLE
We know that now, more than ever, kids and families have a lot going on and we support the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) “Sport For Life” model. We encourage youth to participate in several sports and stay active. For this reason, we have created a seasonal program that allows kids to be flexible.
For competitive riders, we have monthly coaching programs available. Please contact us to discuss these options.