The Cyclist Cycling Club have announced the launch of the The Cyclist Academy, the objective of which is to provide qualified cycling training for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 16.
This was announced recently by Club President Jack Schiavone who has garnered years of experience on the local and international scene both as an athlete and a coach. Schiavone's experience in cycling has seen him win the Road and Elite National Cycling Championships on several occaisons and he has also represented Malta in various international competitions including the Games of the Small States of Europe, the Mediterranean Games as well as Commonwealth Games. For a number of years Schiavone was Head Coach and Technical Director of the Malta National Cycling Team.
The Academy will be part of the Cycling Club which was launched in 2011 and has since then produced some of Malta's finest cyclists, with several members winning Malta Cycling Federation's Elite Category National Championships on multiple occasions.
"This new venture has been on my mind for a number of years, and we are very excited to finally be launching this Academy. The Academy's primary mission is to opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy the sport of cycling together at a young age where they can learn essential cycling skills and life lessons in ways that are consistent with best practices in youth sports" explained Schiavone. "The Academy will also promote cycling by targeting athletic development and competitive exposure to the various facets of the sport of cycling".
Heading The Cyclist Academy will be Frank Dimech, another well known figure in the local cycling scene. Apart from being a fully qualified coach, Dimech is an experienced sport administrator and has previously been key to the founding of the first ever cycling nursery in Malta.
The Cyclist Academy will offer classes for Kinder (4-6years), Beginners (7years+) and Intermediate levels (7 years+) and will teach students the fundamentals of cycling, bicycle maintenance, traffic regulations, cycling etiquette and teamwork. The Academy will offer access to recreational and competitive cycling opportunities that enhances the children's character, sporting abilities and performances. Furthermore, the Academy shall promote good sportsmanship and respect for all participants, age & skill appropriate competition with special emphasis placed on fun and the encouragement of self-confidence.
Lessons will be held on Saturday mornings starting in November and running up to May.
For more information please contact the Academy via email on [email protected]. Application forms may be obtained from The Cyclist Bike Shop, Naxxar Road, San Gwann. Availability is limited and registrations are now being accepted on a first come first served basis.