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NGB News USA Hockey & U.S. Figure Skating PHOTOS: COURTESY OF USA HOCKEY, USFS , USA Hockey's 2 and 2 Challenge guides youth hockey associations and rinks through national events and tools to drive participation at ages 4- to 8-years-old. By growing hockey at these ages, programs will experience long-term growth as these kids continue to develop. The blueprint guides youth hockey leadership to realize their goal of acquiring 2 new players and retaining 2 additional players than the previous season's total in the 8 & Under age category. By participating in the 2 and 2 Challenge, your youth hockey program will be accomplishing two things: 1. You will drive participation in the 8 & Under age group and ensure that your program continues to grow as these players graduate to older age levels. 2. Your association will establish itself not just as the best hockey program locally, but as the best youth sports option in your community! By participating in this program, not only will your rink experience growth, but it will be rewarded for its efforts. Successful participating organizations will receive national recognition, a banner and up to $250 in credit with Total Hockey. This credit can be used for items that will help your association continue its growth and development. To get started for the new season, visit 2and2Challenge.com. J , This summer, thousands of skaters of all ages and abilities will return to the ice as part of a rebranded skating instruction program, Learn to Skate USA. The program, endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating, the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and the Special Olympics, empowers aspiring skaters to achieve athletic and personal goals on and off the ice while providing a fun and positive experience. Learn to Skate USA features a resource- rich website, LearnToSkateUSA.com, a new social media presence and extensive resources for skaters, parents, instructors and program directors to support Learn to Skate USA's mission. "U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating, as well as the PSA and Special Olympics acknowledge the importance of teaching solid fundamentals for a successful starting-off point for the sport," said Susi Wehrli McLaughlin, Learn to Skate USA's senior director of membership. "Having these partners to grow skating sends a very strong message. This is the Learn to Skate program. This is where it starts." Learn to Skate USA is the national curriculum that programs and facilities use for their skating programs. Learn to Skate USA's progressive curriculum offers support and guidance for those taking their first steps on the ice, and those who are working to master more advanced techniques. Specialty programs, designed for skaters who want to explore various ice skating disciplines, include hockey, ice dance, pairs, speed skating, synchronized skating, therapeutic recreational skating and more. Learn to Skate USA is an enhanced iteration of the Basic Skills Program, also endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey, which has taught more than 2 million people to ice skate to date. More than 1,000 community ice rinks nationwide currently offer the Basic Skills Program. Learn to Skate USA leadership expects that these rinks will transition to Learn to Skate USA ensuring skaters and their families a seamless transition as they continue their ambition on the ice. Learn to Skate USA is also actively working with rinks nationwide to start new programs. For more information and to become a member of Learn to Skate USA, please visit LearnToSkateUSA.com. Learn to Skate USA Debuts to Inspire More to Ice Skate Join the 2 and 2 Challenge 20 / JULY.AUGUST.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM , To complete the 2 and 2 Challenge, participating groups will utilize programs that emphasize the main driving forces of growth: Retention, Acquisition & Conversion. Retention: Welcome Back Week—Sept. 19th - 25th Acquisition: Try Hockey For Free Days—Nov. 12th & Feb. 25th Conversion: Transition Programs—Begins shortly after your Try Hockey For Free Day