Vikes
Recreation

Vikes Athletics and Recreation - Youth programs at Vikes Active Living

Youth

How can youth experience active healthy living at UVic?

Introduce your child to UVic through our sport and recreation programs for children and youth. Research shows that kids who have fun while participating in physical activity are more likely to stay active and healthy for life!

Leverage our world-class facilities and expert staff to bring movement, physical literacy and an active lifestyle to your children all year round.

View Youth programs and schedule.

Contact

Questions about youth programs?

Email: vikescommunity@uvic.ca

Location

Youth programs take place all around our facilities. Check program details for exact location. View map.


Mini Thunder at a birthday party
More for the kids!
We also offer birthday parties! Get the party out of the house and celebrate your birthday with the Vikes!
Vikes Active Living youth programs Vikes Active Living youth climbing programs Vikes Active Living youth soccer programs

Schedule

Currently running programs:


Programs starting in the next few months:

Youth events

2024 UVic Squash Open ⋅ Nov. 22 – Nov. 24

2024 UVic Squash Open ⋅ Nov. 22 – Nov. 24

Spinning in a Winter Wonderland ⋅ Dec. 5

Sweat it out for a good cause!

Programs

Note: We also offer high-performance sport programs for 13-18 year olds, designed to cultivate the skills and talents of the participants with expert coaching and training. See our high performance sport programs.

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Basketball – Boys Elite Skills (10-12 yrs)

Basketball – Boys Elite Skills (10-12 yrs)

$275

Vikes Men’s Basketball is pleased to offer skills training for young athletes interested in high level basketball instruction. Led by experienced coaches and current Vikes players, these sessions offer small athlete to coach ratio (maximum 6:1) and will be using evidenced based skill acquisition methods like the Constraints Led Approach. Variable equipment and hoop heights will be used to give athletes of all sizes and abilities the chance to thrive. The focus will be on doing, with the listening/sitting kept to a minimum, with all activities incorporating live decision making tailored to the level of each player. This program also features special guest coaching from the Vikes men’s basketball coaching staff. All levels welcome.

No session October 13.

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 10-12 years

Location: CARSA Performance Gym
Dates: September 15 – December 1
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 11 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 12:15PM–1:15PM

Register

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Basketball – Co-ed Elite Skills (6-9 yrs)

Basketball – Co-ed Elite Skills (6-9 yrs)

$275

Vikes Basketball is pleased to offer skills training for young athletes interested in high level basketball instruction. Led by experienced coaches and current Vikes players, these sessions offer small athlete to coach ratio (maximum 6:1) and will be using evidenced based skill acquisition methods like the Constraints Led Approach. Variable equipment and hoop heights will be used to give athletes of all sizes and abilities the chance to thrive. The focus will be on doing, with the listening/sitting kept to a minimum, with all activities incorporating live decision making tailored to the level of each player. This program also features special guest coaching from the Vikes basketball coaching staff. All levels welcome.

No session October 13.

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 6-9 years

Location: CARSA Performance Gym
Dates: September 15 – December 1
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 11 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 11:15AM–12:15PM

Register

YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Junior Vikes Endurance Running Club

Junior Vikes Endurance Running Club

$220

Vikes and Victoria Endurance Track Club are partnering to offer run training for kids age 9-13 interested in middle to long distance running. Participants will have the opportunity to build their endurance through age appropriate training on and off the track through drills, running workouts and technique training. We encourage athletes of any sport interested in improving their endurance and running technique to join. All participants will get a shirt and have the opportunity to participate in organized races with the club if interested. This program is supported by RunSport.

Class level: Beginner. Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 9-13 years

Location: Centennial Stadium
Dates: September 19 – December 1
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 11 weeks each
Time: Thursday at 4:30PM–5:30PM • Sunday at 1:00PM–2:00PM

Register

YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Pro-D Day Camp

Pro-D Day Camp

$65

Spend your Pro-D-Day with the Vikes! Fantastic Vikes camp leaders are back to plan a day filled with games, sports, crafts and more! Campers will also get some time on CARSA's climbing wall on both the bouldering wall and climbing tower.

Requirements: Children 5 years of age must currently be attending kindergarten

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 5-12 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: McKinnon Dance Studio, CARSA Climbing Centre, McKinnon Gym
Dates: September 1 – July 1
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for 7hrs each
Time: -- Select day -- at 9:00AM–4:00PM

Register

YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Track and Field - Mini Vikes 5-8

Track and Field - Mini Vikes 5-8

$110

Mini Vikes Track & Field is an introduction to track and field development skills. Children are given instruction on all basic motor skills through running, jumping and throwing with an emphasis on FUN and PLAY. This program also develops physical literacy, promotes Long Term Athlete Development and will be led by trained Vikes varsity athletes as the coaches.

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 5-8 years

Location: CARSA Field House Sprint Lanes & Zone 1
Dates: September 22 – December 1
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 11 Weeks each
Time: Sunday at 1:00PM–2:00PM

Register

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

Vike's Men's Basketball New Year's Camp

$280

Join the Vikes men's basketball team and coaching staff for a fun and challenging four day basketball camp. This camp is designed to help you improve individual skills and team strategies essential for overall basketball development. Each day will be packed with games, competitions, and chances to win prizes, including Vikes tickets! Whether you're new to the game or an experienced player, all skill levels are welcome. Run by Vikes players and coaching staff.

Come ready to learn, compete, and have fun.

Note: There is no camp Wednesday January 1, 2025.

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 9-12 years

Location: McKinnon Gym
Dates: December 30 – January 2
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for 4 days each
Time: Monday at 9:00AM–4:30PM • Tuesday at 9:00AM–4:30PM • Thursday at 9:00AM–4:30PM • Friday at 9:00AM–4:30PM

Register

YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Active Living youth program - Vikes High School Cross Country

Vikes High School Cross Country

$80

The Vikes High School cross country program is designed for high school athletes wanting to compete in the high school cross country season. This one-day-per-week program will complement your high school training programs for those athletes wanting additional training. Practices will be 1.5 hours long, including warm-up, xc paced intervals, and cooldown. This program will be coached by experienced Vikes XC/Track assistant coaches and athletes.

Class level: Intermediate.

Youth welcome: 14-18 years

Location: Centennial Stadium Track
Dates: September 16 – November 25
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 8 weeks each
Time: Monday at 5:00PM–6:30PM

Register

YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Long Term Athletic Development - Invasion / Speed Power Sports

$496

Attention field and court sport athletes aged 13-18! Are you ready to unlock your full potential on the field of play? Join our comprehensive Vikes Prep Athlete Development Program designed to enhance your speed, power, strength, and mobility.

Led by seasoned coaches and trainers, this dynamic class goes beyond traditional sprint training by integrating mobility exercises to ensure your body moves with fluidity and efficiency. From refining your sprinting mechanics to maximizing your agility and explosiveness, our program covers it all.

Through a carefully curated curriculum that includes specialized drills, plyometrics, strength training, and mobility work, you'll develop the physical tools needed to dominate your sport. Whether you're striving for podium finishes or an athlete seeking to enhance your overall athleticism, this class offers personalized instruction and expert guidance to help you reach your goals.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your speed, strength and mobility to the next level. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and embark on the path to athletic excellence!"

This training program is for healthy athletes between the ages of 13 and 18. Athletes will increase performance by developing competency of key movement and developing strength and power. Athletes competing in volleyball, basketball, hockey, football, rugby as well any other sport that requires high levels of athleticism would greatly benefit from this program.

More information can be found here: Vikes Prep Athletic Development and any further questions can be send to Dana Agar-Newman at vikesstrength@uvic.ca.


Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 13-18 years

Location: Centennial Stadium Weight Room
Dates: September 16 – December 20
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for 15 weeks each
Time: Monday at 6:00PM–7:30PM • Friday at 6:00PM–7:30PM

Register

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Soccer - Boys Academy

$275

Vikes Soccer Boys Academy is designed for motivated male youth players who are looking to improve in a professional and challenging environment. The program is for players who are currently playing or aiming to play at the tier one or tier two level. It is a supplemental training-only program in addition to your youth club training/games.

Participants will have the opportunity to be coached by the Vikes Men’s Soccer coaching staff. In addition, opportunities will be provided to meet and be coached by current UVic men’s varsity soccer players.

Class level: Intermediate.

Youth welcome: 11-17 years

Location: Field 3
Dates: November 15 – March 7
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for 16 weeks each
Time: Friday at 5:30PM–7:00PM

Register

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

Vikes Strength Training for Rowing Athletes

$496

Unlock Your Potential: Join Our Vikes Strength Training for Rowing Athletes!

Calling all aspiring rowers aged 13-18! Elevate your performance on the water by mastering the fundamentals of strength training. Our specialized camp is designed to introduce you to the essential techniques of strength and conditioning, tailored specifically for rowing.

Led by experienced coaches and certified trainers, you'll dive into a comprehensive program aimed at building a solid foundation of strength, power, and endurance. Through a series of interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, you'll learn proper form, safe lifting practices, and effective workout routines.

Whether you're a novice looking to enhance your athleticism or a seasoned competitor aiming to fine-tune your skills, this camp offers invaluable insights and personalized guidance to help you reach your full potential. Join us and embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a stronger, more resilient rower.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and embark on the path to rowing excellence!

Coach bio:
Sam is a graduate intern strength and conditioning coach at the Canadian Sport Institute – Pacific, who is NCCP trained in Olympic lifting and is currently working towards his masters in kinesiology. Wherein, he is applying his talents in strength & conditioning and biomechanics towards research in rowing at UVic. Sam has a wide background in sport, and is currently training UVic’s varsity men’s rowing, men’s soccer, and track/x-country teams at UVic.

Class level: All welcome.

Youth welcome: 13-18 years

Location: Meet in CARSA lobby
Dates: September 16 – December 20
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for 15 weeks each
Time: Tuesday at 6:00AM–7:30AM • Thursday at 6:00AM–7:30AM

Register

All prices valid as of September 1, 2024. All prices include GST.


More youth-friendly programs offered by Vikes Athletics and Recreation
Climbing
Dance
Drop-in / Informal Recreation
Group Fitness
High Performance
Inclusion and accessibility
Martial Arts
Racquet Sports
Registered Fitness
Yoga
Please review the Vikes Athletics and Recreation policies before participating in Vikes youth programs.