Welcome to NCSC and our Learn-to-skate program.

We have many dedicated volunteers & coaches to help you along the way.

On day one, we recommend you come about 20 minutes early to get skates and equipment on. Find your skaters name tag and line up to go onto the ice.

PreCan - Skaters will gather in the designated off-ice warm up area. Coaches will lead skaters through a variety of various exercises and skills to get them prepared for the on-ice portion of the lesson.

CanSkate - NEW skaters will be grouped and will begin their lesson off-ice in the designated warm-up area. Coaches will lead skaters through a variety of various skills to prepare them for the on-ice portion of the lesson. Eventually all skaters from this group will be integrated into the RED, YELLOW, GREEN & BLUE groups. These groups are based on skill level, not age.

CanSkate - RETURN skaters - will be grouped based on the previous seasons report card. Skaters will enter the ice immediately for warm up and lesson time.

Our coaches assess on a weekly basis. Once skaters have completed all the skills within a group colour, they will be moved up to the next colour level.

1. Lace-up figure skates or Lace-up hockey skates. While the plastic ones are ‘cute’ they don’t offer any ankle support to help your child learn to skate.

2. CSA approved hockey helmet is Mandatory. Face cage is optional. Skaters who do not show up with the proper type of helmet, or broken helmets will not be allowed to enter the ice for lessons.

3. Layers - a pair of jogging pants with splash pants over top. a t-shirt with a hoodie and vest. Skaters work hard on the ice, and layers will help them keep cool.

4. Ski mittens - coated mittens that do not soak up the water are best. Skaters can get wet from the ice, and skating with cold fingers is not enjoyable.

We are only an email away, if you have any questions about equipment. We understand that proper equipment is expensive, but it will make a huge difference in your child’s skating experience.

Best option - a sport-specific skating store, such a Front Row Sports. Experts who are trained in skate and helmet fittings are there to help get your skater set up for success.

Alternative option - Online Marketplaces. Most used equipment is still in really good shape, and a fraction of the price. Do your research before you buy, as there are no warranties or return policies. Public meeting spots are the best option when purchasing used equipment.

As always, if you have any questions, we are just an email away!

While the exact dates may vary, we can provide you with a rough estimate of when you should see registration open for the next season:

Fall/Winter registration will open in August.

Winter registration will open in mid-December, if spaces are available.

Spring registration will open in March.

Summer registration (STARSKATE only) will open in mid-June.

No, parents are not able to go onto the ice with their skaters.

PreCan & Parent is not offereed for the 26-27 Season.

PreCanSkate is for skaters only, no parents are on the ice.

YES for PreCan & Parent only.

Anyone who is registered for PreCan, PreCan & Parent, CanSkate, CanSkate Power, StarGroup and Teen/Adult is required to wear a helmet.

We also encourage you to do your helmet up properly, as children mimic what they see. If you don’t do your chin strap up properly, they won’t want to either!

All Learn-to Skate participants MUST continue to wear their CSA approved Hockey Helmet to ever lesson.

Only when a skater has been instructed by a Professional coach and specifically told they can remove their helmet, are they allowed to skate without a helmet.

If skaters show up without a helmet, they will not be allowed to enter the ice.

A helmet is a mandatory piece of equipment, just like skates. It is your responsibility to make sure your skaters helmet is with them, and in proper working order.

Skaters are not allowed on the ice without a helmet, or with a broken helmet.

If the straps of the helmet are too loose, there is a possibility of the helmet moving, or coming off during a fall, and not providing any protection to the skater.

It is very important to do up any and all straps so the helmet will not come off in case of a fall.

NCSC volunteer bond is $250 per StarSkate family.

The Niagara Centre Skating Club (NCSC) relies heavily on the time and effort of volunteers to ensure the success of its programs, events, and operations. In order to encourage active participation and fairly distribute responsibilities among all members.

All STARSKATE families are required to submit a $250 volunteer bond per skating season.

The $250 volunteer bond must be submitted at the time of registration via cheque (post-dated to April 1 of the current season) or they send an etransfer for $250.

If the volunteer requirement is not fulfilled, the bond will be cashed or kept on or after April 1 of the season.

Members who fulfill the requirements will have their $250 bond returned in full.

To satisfy the bond, families must complete all of the following:

1. STARSKATERS must PA at least 1 day a week during the CanSkate program and attend a PA training session. This is a commitment for Fall, Winter & Spring.

2. Parents must volunteer for the Niagara Classic STAR 1-4 Competition. December 4-6, 2026.

3. Parents must volunteer for the End of Season Ice Show. February 27, 2027.

The club will maintain a list of eligible volunteer opportunities and make every effort to notify families of upcoming events requiring support.

Families are responsible for signing in and out at each event to have hours recorded.

A volunteer coordinator will maintain records of completed tasks.

Families may inquire at any time about their current volunteer status.

Exceptions

• Families experiencing exceptional circumstances may apply for an exemption. These requests will be considered by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

If a family does not fulfill the volunteer requirement and does not communicate with the club about special circumstances, the $250 bond is non-refundable.

No. NCSC does not allow make up sessions. Our dates are set at the beginning of the season, with advance notice for scheduling.

If there is room on another day of the same level, you are able to change to that day for the rest of the season. This change is only allowed once per season.

It may result in addition fees depending on the length of ice time, and the group offerings of the session.

Our programs are intended for skaters age 3 and up. Please use the chart below to see when your skater can start:

Fall - Must be 3 by June 30, of current year

Winter - Must be 3 by September 30 of current year.

Spring - Must be 3 by December 31 of current year.

Funding is available through Jumpstart, Pelham Cares and ProKids. Please visit their websites for information and application process. 

Pelham lessons:

Meridian Community Centre - Duliban rink. 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, ON

Welland lessons:

Jack Ballantyne Memorial Arena. 501 King St. Welland, ON.

MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 595 Welland L3B 5R3

Coaches will assess skaters on a weekly basis. When skaters have completed the required skills, the coach will submit a request to the CanSkate Coordinator.

The CanSkate coordinator will contact the skaters parent, letting them know the details about the next level.

Sometimes it is a change of groups within the CanSkate program, sometimes it is moving from CanSkate to StarGroup or CanSkate Power and sometimes it requires the changing of a day or time. There may be fees involved, but this will all be explained in the email.

Skaters who are registered for Learn-to-Skate or StarSkate programs are eligible to take private lessons.

Private lesson fees are NOT included in your seasonal payment fees and are paid directly to the coach you hire.

A list of coaches is available in the club office, on our website (under coaches) or by emailing niagaracentreskatingclub@gmail.com

Coaches set their own fees and schedules.

Private lessons take place on StarSkate ice time only. If skater is not registered for the session in which the lesson takes place, they may only enter the ice when the lesson begins, and must exit the ice immediately after.

StarSkate lesson ice only (Fall/Winter).

We do offer lesson only ice, for those who are not able to attend an entire session. This fee is for the season.

Skaters are only able to enter the ice at the start of their lesson, and must exit immediately after.

This fee does not include the Skate Canada Membership fee.

Skaters must attend on the same day each week.

• 15 minutes weekly $210

• 30 minutes weekly $315

Guest Skate Fee - $30 max of 6 per season (Sept-Aug). For StarSkate only.

Skate Canada Membership - $80 valid from Sept 1-Aug 31, yearly.