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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 16, 2016 | 46 YMCA sport leadership program gives youths a head start continued from p.34 here to support them through whatever challenges they may be facing." Youths learn about healthy child development, developmental assets and program quality by acquiring nationally-recognized certifications in the Y's Healthy Child Development and Parks and Recreation High Five initiatives, as well as receiving a standard first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) B certification. They are also taught to develop a cover letter and resumé and conduct a thorough job search. Rinaldi noted there are three areas students can specialize in ­ basketball coaching, through a partnership with Ontario Basketball, soccer officiating, with the help of the Oakville Soccer Club, and aquatics, with support from the Town of Oakville. The HSLP will also help students look for part-time or seasonal employment with the Town and/or Oakville YMCA. Certifications will aid those seeking parttime jobs in coaching, sport officiating and/or lifeguarding and swim instructing. "They will be better positioned amongst other youths to secure unique positions or jobs in the community," said Rinaldi. She noted it secured funding from multiple sources to run the program -- a private donation of $50,000, about $11,000 from Halton Region's Community Investment Fund and a portion of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. One of the graduates Thursday was 16-year"I always thought I knew how to do CPR, but it turns out that I actually didn't. I was doing it completely wrong the whole time." Saif Matar, 18, was in the pilot program last year and was recommended by his Grade 12 gym teacher. He said it offered him a chance to learn more about the sports he plays. "You get to build character. It seemed like a great experience to get to know more people," said Matar. HSLP boosted the University of Guelph student's confidence after he tried refereeing and coaching, Matar said, which requires "high levels of confidence" and an ability to be firm in player interactions. "When you make a call, you need to be able to argue with the players if they're unsure about the ruling you're referring to. It's made me more open, outgoing, more willing to try new things." The most beneficial aspect of the program for Matar was healthy child development, learning how a positive environment can "help a child grow and interact with others," he said. "It helped with problem-solving skills. If certain scenarios are happening, (it taught us) how we can deal with them and what the best solution would be," said Matar, a former WOSS student. "It helped us understand who we're working with, as we're working with children, who are the future of our generation." For more information on the program, contact Teresa Rinaldi at 905-845-5597, ext. 226. After a six-month course, pictured, in front, from left: Lindsay Smith; Amani Williams; Niya Williams; Hudson Bullard; Lexie Senior; Sharon Lam; Christopher Ito; and, in back, from left: Max Boateng; Kyle Dumont; Cade Nandlal; Tahj Anglin; Chris Opoku; Saif Matar; Marcus Nandlal; and Areeb Athar graduated from the Halton Sport Leadership Program at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA last Thursday (June 9). | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) old Tahj Anglin, a Grade 11 WOSS student. The program was a good opportunity for Anglin to acquire skills for getting a job, he said, and for helping him become more social. "It's been a long and enjoyable journey. I don't really want to graduate but you have to. I wish I could come back next year, but I have to move on with my life," said Anglin. He learned how to work with children and received CPR training, which is a "life skill I won't forget," Anglin said. "I know first aid in case (an emergency) happened. I know what to do. I wouldn't panic, I would just respond," he said. minOr Oaks hOckey assOciatiOn pre-tyke prOgram (5 and 6 year olds, 2010/2011 birth years for 2016/17 season) Evaluation Skates September 17-18, 2016 Season starts October 3, 2016 · MOHA play off format new this fall (5 and 6 year olds, 2010/2011 birth years for 2016/17 season) minOr Oaks hOckey assOciatiOn initiatiOn prOgram starting this fall Evaluation Skates September 17-18, 2016 Season starts October 3, 2016 · Gala Day March 5, 2017 players On ice twice/week One game and one practice per week *Program offered to qualified participants based on evaluation skate results* players On ice twice/week Monday-Thursday: Skill development Sunday: Games/practice sessions price $575 price $375 OptiOn tO purchase equipment packages MOHA is a member association of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. All coaches are OMHA certified. protective package includes shoulder, elbow, neck, mouth, shin pads, pants, bag. $49. · full package includes Protective package, skates, stick and helmet. $99. Equipment will be fully fitted through Corbett's Source for sports. *Equipment package available for first time participants only* · Have FUN! Play Hockey! Learn the FUNdamentals! · Professionally trained instructor overseeing the program · NHL themed teams · Questions? Please call the MOHA 905-338-9220 Registration forms available online at www.moha.ca