DARK HORSE
ATHLETIC
MULTI-SPORT PHYSICAL LITERACY GROWTH MINDSET
We are a physical literacy and sport development company who provide programming for youth sport teams and organizations as well as schools.
CONTACT US: info@darkhorseathletic.ca
or call 403-805-6455
WHAT IS DARK HORSE?
Dark Horse is a multi-sport program for elementary school ages. Through specific drills, games and challenges, we develop balance, core strength, footwork, hand-eye coordination, proper running technique and so much more. It's fun, it's challenging, and it's always changing... We put a priority on the following:
FUN
Kids learn best when they're having fun, so it's our first priority. Our programs are built to create positive experiences that keep kids coming back for more.
Growth mindset
We teach kids that mistakes are a part of the learning process and that everyone can always improve. This mindset builds a love for challenges and is associated with success in sport and life.
physical literacy
A strong foundation of movement leads to a healthier, more active future, so we keep it fun, we keep it challenging and we keep changing it up!
PROGRAM DETAILS:
We specialize in dry land and/ or supplementary training programs for youth sport teams and organizations. We also consult with schools, school boards and communities about physical education programs.
We have no public programs scheduled at this time. For more information, please reach out to info@darkhorseathletic.ca
Registration form: please fill out and return to info@darkhorseathletic.ca
"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 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 fifth year of the partnership now."
- Mark Sawyer
great coaches:
Marina Riva
Team Italy Skeleton Athlete
Physical Education Teacher
“Participating in sports from a young age fosters character and helps shape young athletes into well-rounded, stronger individuals, preparing them for success both on and off the field."
Ethan Geelen
BHPE in Physical Literacy
Mount Royal University
Multi-sport with a focus in basketball
"If kids have a reason not to be active, it should never be that it's not fun."
"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.
Wyatt Smuszko
Multi-sport with a focus on basketball
Here to show the world that sport is for everyone, and prove that attitude is everything!
"If you want to be happy and healthy, you should move your body."
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."
Eric Dansereau
Multi-sport with a focus on hockey
“The skills we learn in sports are the same ones that help us grow throughout our entire lives.”
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."
testimonials:
"Our son has been in Dark Horse for a while 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.
“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
"Our kids say Dark Horse is a “fun multi-sport program.” As parents we think it’s much more than that. We have noticed our kids developing both as athletes and individuals. Dark Horse doesn’t teach kids to “win”, it teaches them to try new sports, compete with character, embrace a challenge, and to do their personal best every time. The Olympic-level coaches teach kids the fundamentals of sport and serve as role models who help the kids develop as young leaders. As athletes, we have noticed improvement in our son and daughter’s speed, acceleration and sportsmanship on the ball diamond and on the ice. Dark Horse provides the athletic foundation for kids to excel in sport and in life." - Greg and Lynn G.
"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.
