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As the newest division of Village Sports, Village Kids provides innovative, convenient and quality wellness programs and experiences through sport and physical activity, specifically to youth under the age of twelve. We want children, youth and their families to be active, resilient and connected. Village Sports provides the tools for children and youth to reach their full potential in sport and in life.

We want to introduce you to the team behind VIllage Kids. Ashley Fox (Manager, Wellness and Community Programs) and Lea Wiens (Manager, Wellness and Community Development). Ashley and Lea have years of experience in the area of sport and physical literacy, and there are stil often times as parents themselves, feel they don't have it all figured out - the daily struggle to be 'not the worst parent' is real! Parents are under so much pressure these days to be perfect, raise perfect kids and be a stellar role model at all times. We are here to tell you that none of us are perfect, and that is a-ok. 

Village Kids aims to provide convenient and amazing programs that support your child and family to feel like they belong, a place where its OK to make mistakes because that's where the learning happens. We are about living in the moment, being real and trying your best, (and your best might change from day to day.) We want your kids to think Village Kids 'is cool, it's messy, it's the best!'. Our goal is to make this journey called parenting a little easier and a lot more fun!

MEET LEA:

I grew up in Edmonton and then Sherwood Park, Alberta and remember always being active and outdoors as a child.  We backed on to Rundle Park in Edmonton and all of my friends lived within a 3 block radius with a pool, forest and all the green space we could ever want right outside the door.  I fondly recall summers spent at the Shuswap lake in BC exploring various beaches and playing in the water.  There is nothing better than losing track of time while playing with childhood friends, until you get the call for dinner (or the street lights come on)!

My passion for helping others and fitness leadership came as a result of lifeguarding.  I was asked to teach my first aquasize class at 16 years old and was hooked from there.  There was something about the connection with the ladies in the class and seeing them smiling and cracking jokes while getting fit that inspired me.  One of my favorite organized activities growing up was dance so there was a natural  fit with teaching aerobics. I would spend hours planning the music and matching the movements with the music. 

I have a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelors of Science in Food and Nutrition from University of Alberta, specializing in fitness and health promotion. I feel very fortunate to have met and worked with so many amazing, committed sport leaders in our country - from my  local community of Cochrane, AB to provincial and national sport organizations as well as Canadian Women & Sport, Special Olympics Canada, Sport for Life  and Indigenous communities in Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut.  I am a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Master Learning Facilitator and just this past year completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. 

The opportunity  to translate my knowledge and experience to Village Sports and Village Kids is very exciting!

 

MEET ASHLEY:

I live in Cochrane, AB with my husband and 2 young girls (4 &1). I have a degree in mind sciences in Kinesiology because I am really interested in what motivates people, especially what motivates them to be active and well.  I am also a CSEP- Certified Exercise Physiologist and Integrative Health Coach.  I believe in the power of community, movement, and of course a good cup of coffee! 

I am really excited about joining the Village Sport team because of the interconnectedness between physical health, sport and personal development that is brought to life in Village programs.  This is so important in the foundational years for children and youth.

The value that Village places not only on physical health and development but also mental health and social emotional learning are core to my values as well. I had a figure skating coach who early on saw my interest in coaching and worked with me throughout high school so I could take the coaching certification courses. I was able to help with the learn to skate program early on and develop as a skater and a coach.  Quality coaches and leaders like this are such a valuable part of sport and I see it in the coaches at Village everyday. 

Now, entering the realm of ‘sport parent’ I have a whole new perspective. So far the people involved in youth sport have had really good intentions, a lot of passion and are really interested in the community. I didn’t expect how quickly things become very busy and ‘noisy’ and how quickly you have to make decisions about your child’s participation.

At Village Kids, we’ve been getting ready for the launch of multisport programs to engage children and their families in quality and convenient sport programs. These programs are grounded in physical literacy and social emotional learning. Physical literacy is the development of motivation, confidence and competence(skills) to participate in physical activity - meaningful participation and enjoyment are key at all ages and levels of sport and physical activity.