Learn to Play: Triangle Youth Ultimate League
Tristan Green
Posted: November 18, 2014 03:24 PM
Raleigh, N.C. - This September marked the start of the third year of the Learn to Play clinics hosted by the Triangle Youth Ultimate League (TYUL). TYUL’s Learn to Play clinics started in the fall of 2012 by Heather Ann Brauer, and we’ve witnessed amazing growth since that time. Initially, the clinic was a free, one-day clinic that ran in fall 2012 and spring 2013 with approximately 12 kids in attendance each time. In the fall of 2013, TYUL changed the clinic to a five-week Learn to Play program with 45 kids registering in Carrboro. TYUL expanded to have locations in Carrboro, Durham and Raleigh in spring 2014, serving over 75 kids ages seven to 12. This fall’s Learn to Play Clinic series continued to grow in Carrboro, Durham and Raleigh and included more than 135 kids!
Photo: Brent Russell
These clinics were successful thanks to the efforts of some amazing organizers and more than 45 incredible volunteers, including both high school players and adult recreational and club players. A culture of volunteerism is beginning to grow in the Triangle, with adult players volunteering to coach college and youth players, college players volunteering to coach high school and middle school players, and high school players volunteering to help middle and elementary school players. Having volunteers from all different levels of play has created an amazing community that is supporting the growth of Triangle Ultimate!
The TYUL Fall Learn to Play Clinics took place on Sunday afternoons in September and October. Clinics were held in the three locations: Carrboro, Durham and Raleigh. Carrboro’s sessions included a separate Girls Only Learn to Play clinic that had 27 girls learning to play ultimate! There was also an advanced Learn to Play League that gave 10-14 year olds a chance to learn more advanced strategies and practice them in game situations. The advanced league also served as a "preseason" to the middle school ultimate season which begins in November.
Photo: Brent Russell
The clinics started out with all the kids warming up together before they got involved in a mix of drills, games, and scrimmaging. Each day of the clinic had a focus, so by the end of the clinic series, the kids had learned how to throw different types of throws and had been introduced to offensive and defensive concepts. Spirit of the Game was also a large focus of all the clinics.
TYUL’s Learn to Play Clinics are becoming a huge hit in the Triangle. They are introducing the sport to elementary- and middle-school aged children and teaching the next generation of ultimate players! TYUL is excited to continue to grow these Learn to Play clinics and ultimate in the Triangle!
A big thank you to our organizers: Sara Summers, Oliver Khamky, Megan Tarasi, Rachel Johnson, Randall Lanier, Teresa Leavens, Brent Russell, Dwayne Purper, Teresa Leavens, Jenny Hartingh, Thuy Brooks, Randy Cubrilovic and Jenny Hartingh! And a huge shout out to all our amazing volunteer coaches!
Outstanding Coach of the Clinic Awards:
Rachel Gross Poore – Raleigh Learn to Play
Yuma Kobayashi – Carrboro Boys’ Learn to Play
Michael Saleeby - Durham Learn to Play
Sean Murray – Advanced Learn to Play
Amanda Maxson - Carrboro Girls’ Learn to Play
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