The University of Manitoba have announced a new strength and conditioning program targeting basketball and other sport athletes in the 13-18 age range.

What is it?
The University of Manitoba Bison Strength & Conditioning Program is a year round physical training program for athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 that is consistent with the key principles of Long Term Athlete Development.

Where does it take place?
Our program will take place in the University of Manitoba’s BRAND NEW State of the Art Bison Strength and Conditioning room in the new Active Living Center opening January 2015.

Which athletes would benefit from the program?
This program is open to ANY athlete, male or female between the ages of 13 and 18.  You do not need to be on a Junior Bison team to be a part of this program.  This age specific program will increase performance by developing competency of key movement skills like sprinting and jumping, decrease injuries by incorporating injury prevention training, and increase performance by developing strength and power. Athletes competing in volleyball, basketball, hockey, football, rugby, soccer as well any other sport that requires high levels of athleticism for success would greatly benefit from this program.

What is special about this program?
  • Expert Bison Sport Strength and Conditioning coaches working with the athletes.
  • No more than a 1 to 12 coach to athlete ratio.
  • A program that will progress each athlete to more challenging and effective exercises as they become physically capable of it.
  • A portion of each athlete’s program will be individualized to their sport and individual needs.
  • Regular testing to track progress with reports and debriefs available to participants and their parents.
  • The program is set up that the athlete will participate in four month blocks but athletes are encouraged to train year round in order to get maximum benefit.

When does the program run?  
This is a year round program that will be broken down into 3 Blocks:
  1. Block 1 January 5- May 2, 2015 17 weeks
  2. Block 2 May 3-August 29, 2015 17 weeks
  3. Block 3 August 30-Dec 23, 2015 17 weeks
This program runs 2 times per week (Football & Rugby is 3 times per week) with the following six options:
  • Session A Volleyball Only Monday & Wednesday – 6:30 to 7:30
  • Session B Football & Rugby Only Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 7:30 to 8:30
  • Session C  Multi-Sport Session Monday & Wednesday – 8:30 to 9:30
  • Session D Multi-Sport Session Tuesday and Thursday – 6:30 to 7:30
  • Session E         Multi-Sport Session Tuesday and Thursday – 7:30 to 8:30
  • Session F         Multi-Sport Session Tuesday & Thursday – 8:30 to 9:30
There are only 12 spots available per session so sign up early to ensure your spot.                              
Volleyball and Rugby/Football athletes are also welcome to sign up in the multi-sport sessions if it fits their schedule better.

Why is it important to be involved in long term physical training programs?
Fitness must be worked at all the times otherwise an athlete will detrain and lose all previous hard earned improvements.  Short term physical training programs are beneficial for temporarily improving performance but when training stops, performance begins to decline and worse yet; risk of injury goes back up.

Who will be training the athletes?
This program will be developed and administered by University of Manitoba Bison Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Barr and his staff.  Matt came to the University of Manitoba from the Canadian Sport Institute in Vancouver where he worked with Rugby Canada and oversaw the training of all of their national team athletes.  While working for the Canadian Sport Institute and Rugby Canada he helped develop the physical training model for the Canadian Sport School and Rugby Canada’s academies.  He holds sport science degrees from Edith Cowan University, the University of Manitoba and the University of Western Ontario respectively.  Matt is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

What is the cost of the program?
  • Block 1-  January 5th-May 2nd, 2015
Multi-Sport & Volleyball  Sessions (2x per week)  
Early bird sign up-Before Dec.1st $400
Regular Sign up-after Dec.1st $450
  • Block 1-  January 5th-May 2nd, 2015
Football and Rugby Sessions (3x per week)
Early bird sign up-Before Dec.1st $532
Regular Sign up-after Dec.1st $598

How do I register?
Registration and payment is available online only.
Visit www.gobisons.ca, Click on Junior Bisons Tab, Click on Strength & Conditioning Header

What if I have questions about the program or registration?
Contact: Lisa Peters
Lisa.Peters@umanitoba.ca
204-474-6211

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