ECI Academy FAQs
1. What is ECI Academy?
ECI Academy is a year-round basketball development program for kids who want to learn the game of basketball and improve their own skills. The ECI Academy staff has many years of basketball coaching and teaching expertise. They will work to help each child become a better player, no matter what their ability level. Players will be challenged while having fun and learning basketball and life skills. Each age group will have scheduled Academy sessions each week throughout the year, with the number of sessions changing slightly based on enrollment and interest.
2. When is ECI Academy?
ECI Academy will start Monday, November 19, 2007. Sessions will be scheduled during the evenings on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends. Sessions may also be scheduled on school vacation days. The length of each session may vary, but will generally be scheduled for 1-1 ½ hours. Schedules will be made each week and will be emailed, posted on our website (www.eciyouth.org), and posted clearly in the facility. ECI Academy is a 12-month skills program, so times will differ with the seasons and events throughout the year.
*Note – due to NDSCS events and schedules, there may be months or days of the year where there will be a decrease in Academy session or Team practice availability. We will work hard to make the best use of available time and facilities.
3. Where is it?
ECI Academy will be held at the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center on the campus of North Dakota State College of Science. Academy members will enter on the side of the building using the North door. Academy sessions will be held either on the main arena floor or upstairs in the Auxiliary gym. Times and gym locations will be posted on our website, emailed, and posted clearly in the arena. ECI is in the process of purchasing and installing two additional courts in the main arena, which will increase the number and availability of Academy sessions.
4. How much does it cost?
The per-month cost is about the same as it costs to play Parks and Rec basketball. Academy players can choose to attend on a month-by-month basis, or they can purchase a one-year Academy membership up front at a discounted rate.
$15 1 month Academy
$12.50/month 1 year Academy ($150/year, payable up front)
*At ECI Academy, we want all players to have the opportunity to attend regardless of their financial situation, so players can also sign up for our Work to Play program to work at our tournaments in order to pay for their membership.
*Special Note: We’ve changed our relationship with the NDSCS Clair T. Blikre Activities Center and are now simply using a lease agreement. As a result, a Blikre membership is no longer required and is separate from an ECI Academy membership.
5. What is the Work to Play program?
At ECI Academy, we want all children to have the opportunity to attend regardless of their financial status, so players who cannot afford the monthly Academy cost can commit to our Work to Play Program, where they will work at ECI tournaments to earn the cost of their membership. The option will also be available for those on a traveling team who would like to work to earn their team expenses, but those working for their Academy membership will receive priority. Work options at an ECI Tournament include scorekeeping, timekeeping, concessions, clean-up, and others.
6. Can I try it out?
Sure! We will be distributing coupons for a free trial week membership to the Academy
7. How do I sign up?
To sign up for the Academy, you will need to complete the Academy registration form and indicate the way in which you would like to pay. This form can be filled out at the ECI desk set up in the Main Arena at the NDSCS Clair T. Blikre Activities Center during ECI Academy sessions, or it can be filled out and mailed to or dropped off at the ECI Offices. If you would like more information about the Academy or ECI’s programs, please call the ECI Office (701-672-1420), email Travis Kraft (travis@eciyouth.org), or visit our website (www.eciyouth.org).
8. Can I sign up for the Academy at the Blikre Office or by calling NDSCS?
No. ECI Academy is run by ECI Youth Services, not NDSCS, so all sign-ups and questions must go through ECI.
9. Do I need a pass or card to enter the Blikre?
Yes. When you register with the ECI Academy, you will receive a registration card that you will show whenever you enter the Blikre. If you are attending for your first free trial week, you only need to show your coupon. If you do not have your coupon with you, simply let the desk worker know that you are there for the ECI Academy. There will be a sign-up sheet for all Academy session attendees. An ECI staff member will be on the premises if any problems or questions should arise.
10. How long will it last (end date)?
ECI Academy will run all year long, and players will have the option of signing up for a full year or on a month-by-month basis.
11. Can I miss a day?
Yes. There will be a number of weekly sessions available for each age group, so your child can choose to come to as many sessions as he or she would like to attend or as few as they would like to attend.
12. What will a typical day be like?
Half the time will be spent on skills and fundamentals in a fun and exciting environment. The other half of the time will be used for structured scrimmages.
13. What will my child learn?
Your child will learn everything from the basic fundamentals of basketball to the higher level aspects of the game. Your child will be challenged and encouraged, regardless of their athletic ability, to become the best that they can be.
14. Who will be leading the sessions?
ECI Youth Services has a staff of energetic, enthusiastic, basketball trainers as well as volunteer parents that have received skills training from our staff.
15. What is the trainer to player ratio?
We will strive for a ratio of 1 trainer for every 6 players, but that may vary based on attendance and availability.
16. What should my child bring?
Clean pair of tennis shoes, comfortable clothing (t-shirt and gym shorts or sweatpants).
17. Why should my child join the Academy?
The Academy is a fun place to meet new people and stay active with current friends. Players will be challenged while having fun and learning basketball and life skills.
18. What if my child doesn’t like it?
If the program isn’t a good fit for your child, they do not have to continue to attend.
19. Can parents come?
Parents are welcome to attend if they wish, but their presence is not required.
20. What if my child can’t come at his/her scheduled time?
If your child is unable to attend his or her scheduled time and wishes to make it up at a different time, please contact Travis Kraft (701-388-0330) or the ECI office (701-672-1420) to arrange to attend a different session.
21. Who is ECI?
ECI (Every Child’s Important) Youth Services is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2005 by Dan Hodgson and based in Wahpeton, ND. Our mission is “challenging a generation that’s raising themselves.” We operate a number of programs that seek to place healthy, mature adults in the lives of youth, and we desire to teach values and character above all else. Our programs include ECI Select Basketball, ECI Schoolcare, ECI Tournaments (Youth and College-recruiting), the ONE24 Coffeehouse, and others. ECI is dedicated to creating challenging mentoring opportunities between healthy, mature adults and youth.
22. Where are the ECI Offices located?
ECI Youth Services have offices at 321 Dakota Avenue, Suite 2, in Wahpeton, ND. However, ECI’s mailing address is 120 4th Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58075, which is the address of the ONE24 Coffeehouse that we are remodeling.
23. If I need to talk to someone about the program, who can I call?
Travis Kraft, Director of Basketball 701-388-0330
Trevor Schneeberger, Director of Skills Training 218-979-9557
Dan Hodgson, Executive Director 701-640-4142
ECI Office 701-672-1420
24. Do I have to be on a team if I’m in the academy?
No. Some players that just want instruction and development may want to choose to just be in the Academy and could fill in for teams when needed if they wish. There will be scrimmages at every Academy session that will enable kids to play games as well at the Academy.
25. Do they go to tournaments?
Academy members will not attend tournaments unless they choose to join an ECI Youth team (see ECI Youth Team FAQs). Academy sessions will include scrimmages so players can get game experience.
26. Can my child play on a traveling team?
Yes. Traveling teams (ECI Youth teams) will be formed from the Academy. This does not mean however, that an Academy member has to be on a traveling team. (See ECI Youth Team FAQs).
27. Does my child have to play on a traveling team to be in the Academy?
No, but to be on a traveling team, your child will need to be in the Academy. (See ECI Youth Team FAQs)
ECI Youth Teams FAQs
1. How are teams selected?
Teams will be selected after the first 2 weeks of the Academy. Teams will be formed based on skill level, friendships, travel needs, prior teams, and collaboration with parent coaches to meet the needs of everyone involved.
2. Do I have to be in the academy to be on a team?
Yes. The Academy membership is what helps pay for gym time and coaches’ expenses for the Academy and Teams. Academy Sessions will also take the place of team practices on occasion because skills will be taught in this environment, making teams’ practices shorter. The Academy environment also allows our staff to work with each player and accurately set up teams to create a good experience for everyone. Frequency of attendance is up to you.
3. Who will coach my travel team?
ECI Youth Teams will be coached by volunteer parents, selected by ECI, who have received skills training from our staff of experienced basketball skills trainers.
4. Will all children have similar playing time?
Yes; similar, but not identical. We are committed to helping everyone improve!
5. Does it cost more to be on a travel team?
Costs to be on a travel team will be the same as they have been for YBA (Entry fees, travel, uniforms (if needed), etc.).
6. How many tournaments will my travel team play?
Each team will vary, but on average, a fourth grade team will play in up to four tournaments while older teams will play in six to ten.
7. How far away will my team play?
This will vary with each team as well, but most tournaments are one-day tournaments around the local area. Some teams may go to one tournament out of the area if the team/coach agreed.
8. How can costs for a travel team be handled?
If you cannot afford to pay your travel team expenses, you or others on your team can work at our tournaments through our Work to Play program. |
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