FUNdamentals PROGRAM (FUN 1, 2, 3)

FUNdamentals Program (FUN1, FUN2 & FUN3)

Discover Ringette with GCRA!

The Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association (GCRA) FUNdamentals Program introduces young athletes to ringette in a fun, safe, supportive, and development-focused environment.

Whether your child is brand new to skating or already loves being on the ice, GCRA offers an excellent introduction to the sport while helping athletes build confidence, friendships, teamwork, and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Our FUNdamentals program focuses on:

learning to skate
developing ringette skills
building confidence
making friends
staying active
and most importantly — having FUN!

What is Children’s Ringette?

As part of Ringette Ontario’s Children’s Ringette initiative, GCRA’s FUNdamentals program focuses on age-appropriate skill development in a fun and supportive environment.

The program is designed around each athlete’s developmental stage rather than strictly by age. Players develop foundational ringette skills such as:

skating
balance
passing
ring control
teamwork
game awareness

Athletes progress through divisions based on readiness, confidence, and skill development.

The FUNdamentals program includes three progressive divisions:

FUN1 - Cross-Ice or Half-Ice Ringette
FUN2 - Cross-Ice or Half-Ice Ringette
FUN3 - Full-Ice Ringette

Children’s Ringette Program Highlights

Programming tailored to each child’s age, size, and skill level
Players grouped by developmental stage rather than strictly by age
Athletes progress through divisions when they are ready
Strong emphasis on fun and fundamental skill development
Smaller groups and reduced players on the ice increase participation and engagement
Adapted gameplay using smaller playing surfaces and small nets
Increased ring touches, passing opportunities, and overall involvement
Safe and positive learning environment for all participants

FUN1

FUN1 is designed for children who are:

new to skating or ringette
learning basic movement and balance
developing introductory ringette skills
learning game structure and teamwork

Players participate in cross-ice ringette using small-area games designed to maximize participation, ring touches, and fun.

FUN1 Highlights

Usually Saturdays
October to March
1 ice time per week
Cross-ice or half-ice gameplay
Small-sized nets
Beginner-friendly environment
Focus on skating and fun
FUN tournaments and special events

BONUS!

All FUN1 players receive their very own ringette stick to keep during the season!

FUN2

FUN2 is designed for players who:

are becoming stronger skaters
are learning more ringette rules
are developing passing and gameplay skills
are ready for Mini Ringette gameplay

FUN2 uses adapted gameplay and smaller teams to maximize engagement, ring touches, and skill development in a fun and supportive environment.

FUN2 Highlights

2 ice times per week until official NCRRL games begin, typically one weeknight and one weekend session
Cross-ice or half-ice practices and games
Adapted Mini Ringette gameplay
No referees used during FUN2 gameplay
Focus on development, participation, and learning
FUN games and development opportunities
As the season progresses, FUN2 teams may participate in inter-association games, typically scheduled on weekends

Smaller ice surfaces and adapted gameplay help players stay engaged, build confidence, and continue developing skating and ringette skills at an age-appropriate pace.

FUN3 (U10)

FUN3 is designed for players who demonstrate readiness for full-ice ringette and more advanced gameplay.

Players continue developing:

skating ability
ringette IQ
teamwork
confidence
passing and shooting skills
game understanding

FUN3 Highlights

Typically 2 ice times per week
September to March
Full-sized ringette gameplay
NCRRL league games
FUN tournaments
Continued development-focused environment
Sessions and games are typically scheduled on weekends, with times and locations varying based on National Capital Region Ringette League (NCRRL) schedules

FUN3 helps prepare athletes for future ringette opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on fun and development.