American Canoe Association - Canoe/Kayak Sprint

2021 Junior/U23 Worlds Program

Sprint National Team - American Canoe Association


 

What - 

The ACA Sprint National Coaching staff is proud to announce the Junior/U23 Worlds Program for 2021.  The Junior/U23 World Championship is an excellent opportunity for athletes to compete against the world’s best sprint athletes.  

 

The goals of the program are to give the USA the best chance to make finals and podium finishes in 2021 and further develop athletes and coaches for the future through the following strategies - 

  1. Travel to Europe ahead of time.  By arriving at the training center in Portugal, we expect to get athletes settled with boats, travel logistics etc so they are well prepared for the regatta. 

  2. Increased team boat training.  We hope to conduct team boat training during the summer. 

  3. Selection strategy that aims to have a large team of committed athletes.  The USA must have a large presence internationally which will expose more athletes and coaches to international racing.  Balancing that, the program is designed to serve those athletes that are committed long term to racing and have demonstrated excellence in training and racing.  Athletes will be evaluated by the selection committee and disqualified if they are not engaged in serious competition training.  

 

Who - 

-Athletes born in 2003 and 2004 are encouraged to apply to be selected to the Junior Worlds Team for 2021.  

-Athletes born between 1998-2002 are encouraged to apply to be selected to the U23 Worlds Team for 2021.  

 

NOTE: Athletes must be a competition member of the American Canoe Association in good standing and be a citizen of the United States.  Other requirements also apply such as, but not limited to, valid passport that does not expire until 2022, SafeSport course completion, USADA drug training completion, and signed ACA code of conduct.  

 

When/Where -  (Tentative Schedule, do not purchase tickets!)

Aug 24th - Nationals ends

Aug 25th - Team travels from US to Europe.  

Aug 26-Sep 2 Pre- Worlds camp (mandatory) at Nelo Training Center in Portugal for   

Sep 3-6th  Competition takes place at Montemor-O-Velho, Portugal   

TBA - Athletes return to US    (Please do not purchase plane tickets yet)



 

Costs - TBA

Costs are estimated to be (TBA)  for the travel to Europe, training  and competition portion.  This fee will cover boat rental, accommodation, meals, airfare, and entry fees.  Please allow for +/- 10% for costs.


 

Selection to Junior/U23 Worlds Team - 

 

  1. Athletes will need to A) fill out athlete survey which will be published in May, and B) put a deposit down for the team of $500 USD using a provided link.  The deadline to pay the link and thus be eligible for the Junior/U23 Worlds Team will be TBA***.

  2. Depending on the number of applicants - selection may take place via committee or via a trials event.  For reasons of cost, covid exposure and travel - the best scenario for athletes overall is to select the team without a trials event.  If selection takes place without a trials event - then a selection committee will evaluate candidates.  Past performance in national and international competition, coach recommendation, current training status (including training logs) among other things may be considered in selection.  

  3. Note about deposit - If an athlete is not selected to the Jr/U23 team - the deposit will be refunded minus a $25 admin fee.  If the athlete is selected and confirms then the deposit will be applied towards balance of second deposit.  If athlete is selected but then decides not to go, then the deposit is forfeited.  

  4. Once an athlete is selected to the team, a second link will be sent to them and they will have 96 hours to pay the second deposit.  

 

Coaching Staff - 

The team will be led by Shelly Oates-Wilding and Aaron Huston.  Additionally, there may be 1-2 coaching positions to fill depending on team size.  Commitment will be required for travel to Europe from Aug 25th until competition is over.  As above with athletes - requirements include passing background check, safesport completion, member of ACA in good standing, and valid valid passport for 6 months after competition date.  If you would like to apply to be an assistant coach, please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Planning Committee members - 

If you are a parent or coach and would like to assist with planning or other work to be done supporting the team this year - please email [email protected]  

 

Planning Committee members include:

Shelly Oates - Ikaika

Aaron Huston - GHCKRT

Susan Starbird - RTR

Dan Henderson - Cascade