Arrowhead's Race Crew

Program Philosophy

Our coaching philosophy centres on nurturing the whole athlete—physically, mentally, and socially. We believe that developing strong, well-rounded skiers requires more than just athletic training; it requires cultivating life skills such as organisation, time management, leadership, and an informed approach to effective nutrition and training. We are committed to fostering a supportive community where athletes feel connected, enjoy the journey of training and working towards goals, and are empowered to take on leadership roles. Our role as coaches is to create a positive, encouraging environment that helps athletes develop these critical skills, achieve their competitive goals, and realise their full potential. Guided by the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, we focus on supporting athletes through the Learn to Train (L2T) and Train to Train (T2T) stages and, should they choose, on into Train to Compete (T2C), setting the foundation for lifelong success.

ARC 1 Program Outline

This program is designed for athletes aged 11-18 who enjoy staying active, developing athletic skills and low-key competition. It features one-day races within two hours of home, except for the Ontario Youth Championships, and emphasises technique, strength, and skill development in a fun, supportive environment. A positive team atmosphere motivates athletes to compete and grow in the sport.

Aligned with Nordiq Canada’s LTAD model, fall training is mandatory to prepare for the season. Athletes must attend at least two scheduled races, for which the entry fee is included in the program registration. Parents are encouraged to support the team through meetings, workshops, fundraising, driving, and assisting with equipment and waxing.

Fee includes:

Coaching by NCCP T2T coaches
1 training camp
Fall Sessions (September to November end of Daylight Saving Time):

Tuesdays: 6 pm -7:30 pm
Saturdays: 10 am -12 pm
*Athletes are encouraged to participate in lap swim 1-2 x a week from September to December.

Winter Sessions (November end of Daylight Saving Time to March):

Tuesday on-snow: 4 pm - 5:15 pm
Saturdays on-snow: 10 am -12 pm

Racing Support and wax support for:

Paid registration & coaching support and wax for 2 SOD races
Paid registration for The Muskoka Loppet
Coaching support for the Ontario Youth Championships OYC

Program Fee: $460 plus $28 Club membership fee

Fees do not include the Zone4 processing fee. We have reduced our fees accordingly to compensate for this.

ARC 2 Program Outline

This program is for athletes aged 12-18 who enjoy training, who desire to learn more about all aspects of being an athlete, and who aim to compete at higher levels. A positive team environment motivates athletes to reach their personal best while developing speed, intensity, and competition strategy. Athletes should have at least one year of ARC 1 experience or have contacted the coaches before registering.

Following Sport Canada and Nordiq Canada’s LTAD model, summer training (swimming, running, cycling, roller skiing) is encouraged, and fall training is mandatory. Races include both one-day regional events and multi-day provincial level events. Athletes should attend at least six races, including one Ocup. Parents are encouraged to support through meetings, workshops, fundraising, driving, and assisting with equipment and waxing.

Fee includes:

Coaching by NCCP T2T coaches
2 training camps
Fall Sessions (September to November end of Daylight Saving Time):

Tuesdays: 6 pm -7:30 pm
Thursdays: 6 pm -7:30 pm
Saturdays: 10 am -12 pm
(optional) Sundays: 2 to 4 hours long, slow distance, various locations and modalities

*Athletes are encouraged to participate in lap swim 1-2 x a week from September to December.

Winter Sessions (November end of Daylight Saving Time to March):

Tuesdays on-snow 4 pm - 5:15 pm
Thursdays on-snow 4 pm - 5:45 pm
Saturdays on-snow 10 am -12 pm

Racing Support:

Coaching support for 2 O-Cup races
Paid registration & coaching support for 2 SOD races
Paid registration for The Muskoka Loppet
Wax support for all races on the ARC schedule

Program Fee: $655 plus $28 club membership fee.
Fees do not include the Zone4 processing fees.

Provincial Age Categories for 2025-26

Race categories are based on the athlete’s Year of Birth and age as of December 31, 2025

U12: Born 2014

U14: Born 2013–2012

U16: Born 2011–2010

U18: Born 2009–2008

U20: Born 2007–2006

Coaches

Jon and Holly Strickland have lived in Port Sydney and skied with Arrowhead since 2005. Actively involved in the club since 2009, they share a passion for Nordic skiing and winter sports. Both are working toward their Train to Train (T2T) coaching certification through the NCCP, are registered with Nordiq Canada, members of the Coaching Association of Ontario, and uphold the principles of True Sport.

As a coaching team, Jon and Holly collaborate closely with each other and other coaches, providing athletes with diverse coaching styles and shared expertise. In 2025, they were honoured to receive the Heinz Neiderhauser Award for coaching excellence from Cross Country Ski Ontario.

Holly, originally from Huntsville, competed in mountain biking at provincial and national levels and started skiing for cross-training. A product of Huntsville High School’s Nordic team, she began coaching in high school, developing junior programs in Sudbury and Waterloo before returning to Arrowhead. She has coached ARC since 2017.

Originally from Cambridge, Jon excelled in competitive football, baseball, and hockey. He was introduced to skiing by Holly and was immediately drawn to its physical and technical challenges. He began coaching in Waterloo and has served the ANSC community as a Jackrabbit instructor, Track Attack coach, and, since 2017, ARC coach.