The York Region Skating Academy was established in 1986 and was the brainchild of Joanne McLeod, who at that time was a National Team coach on leave from Edmonton's Royal Glenora Skating Club, and Bernard Ford, five-time world Dance pairs Champion from England.

 

Skaters from various skating clubs in the York Region and Greater Toronto Area could audition for entrance to the academy. Training at the academy went beyond what skaters were doing at many of their own clubs, and offers artistic figures, edge skills, footwork, stretch, choreography, off-ice classes, theatre and technique workshops.

 

Over the years, not only skaters from all parts of Canada, but from around the world have trained at the YRSA. The United States of America, Japan, Slovenia, France, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, Greece, England and Ukraine are just some of the countries that have sent skaters to train at the YRSA, a true International Training Centre.

 

At the 1994 Skate Canada - Central Ontario Section Annual General Meeting in May, the YRSA was officially indoctrinated as a Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA, now known as Skate Canada) Club. YRSA became two separate and distinct entities, the YRSA Winter Club and the YRSA Training Centre both sanctioned by the CFSA.

 

The YRSA Winter Club operated from October to March and was administered by a Board of Directors. The YRSA Training Centre operated from April to September and was run by Joanne McLeod. In spite of the differences in administration, the two entities always seemed like one to our skaters who always proudly represented YRSA.

 

In September, 1999, the YRSA Winter Club took over the administration duties of the YRSA Training Centre and now operates year round.

 

YRSA, run by a group of dedicated volunteer parents serving on the Board of Directors, provides instruction and training to the enthusiastic skater. Our Learn To Skate and Adult Programs service the eager to learn local residents. The YRSA program follows the Skate Canada badge system. Skaters who excel in this program are often encouraged to try out for the Junior Academy program, where they will quickly discover the excitement of entering competitions under the skillful eye of a professional and personal coach. More that eighty percent of our members are residents of Richmond Hill. More than ninety percent of these Richmond Hill residents are under the age of 15. We take pride in not just the focused champion, but also in developing team spirit, self discipline and confidence in becoming not just an athlete, but a well rounded individual.

 

There are up to 40 hours a week of ice used by the skaters of the YRSA. We invite you to come and see for yourself. View the facility first hand. Quietly watch skaters from Learn to Skate to National Team pratice. Sneak a peak at an off-ice session. Gaze proudly at our Awards Showcase and Wall of Fame.