Congressional's athletic clinic primes young student for intramural sports.
“Take the ball and bounce it while taking a step then bring the ball out to the side”, Coach B explains as he demonstrates a basketball move to the 3rd and 4th grade students. Coach Kim is also on hand to help the students refine the move as they practice it for themselves. Both coaches call words of encouragement as the group of students work their way across the gym floor. Welcome to Little Colts Academy!
Now in its third year, Little Colts Academy was established by Tavis Laws, Congressional’s Director of Athletics and Physical Education, as a way to introduce younger students to intramural sports. The Academy gives students in kindergarten-grade 4 a chance to build skills and expertise in preparation for junior and varsity athletic teams. “The idea is to get these young athletes used to different coaching styles,” states Coach Laws. “It’s coaching and skill building outside of PE classes.”
Little Colts Academy gives students in kindergarten-grade 4 a chance to build skills and expertise in preparation for junior and varsity athletic teams. "The idea is to get these young athletes used to different coaching styles. It’s coaching and skill building outside of PE classes." - Tavis Laws, Director of Athletics & Physical Education
The program runs each trimester for six weeks and the coaching focuses on the sport of the season. Right now, it is basketball season and the Little Colts are practicing dribbling, passing and other skills needed to play the game. “Each session they get 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of gameplay,” states Coach Laws. “The students split into two groups (kindergarten-grade 2; grades 3 & 4) and practice 2x2 defense and offense. As the weeks go by, the students gradually build up to 5x5 defense and offense.”
In addition to specific skill building, the students participate in scrimmages which gives them competitive experience and builds skills and teamwork. “My goal is for the students to become confident and competent athletes. By the time they reach middle school, they will have already worked together as a team. It offers great advantages to the students and the teams as they move into competitive play,” says Coach Laws.
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At present, Little Colts Academy offers basketball in the winter and soccer in the spring, and Coach Laws has plans to grow the program. “I’m considering flag football and Little Colts Running in the fall,” he says. The Academy is popular with parents because they don’t need to sign up for neighborhood leagues. “This is a one-stop shop for parents, says Coach Laws. “The convenience factor is great for families.”
Congressional School
Preschool - 8th Grade Private School
Infant and Toddler Program
Falls Church, VA
