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Intro to Sports

Leagues

Building Tomorrow’s Champions, Starting with the foundations!

The National Sports Center has created an Intro to Sports development program tailored towards young athletes looking to develop fundamental skills in a variety of different sports. Click on the tabs below for more information on each individual sport!

Current Session: FALL

 

Program Features

  • 8 week sessions!
  • Low participant to instructor ratio
  • Each participant receives a t-shirt/jersey
  • Experienced Coaching Staff

Baseball

Levels Available: Intro I & Intro II

Don’t let this intro opportunity slide by! Sign your child up for Intro to Baseball, and let them step onto the field with confidence, joy, and a love for the game. Their journey from rookies to champions starts here! Enroll now and let your child’s baseball adventure begin!

Levels Available

Intro I:
Intended for first time baseball players with no experience; recommended for ages 4-6.

​Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and recommended for ages 7-9.

Description & Features

Intro to Baseball is a progressive development system for young athletes who are interested in the sport of Baseball. There are two levels within the Intro to Baseball Program: Intro I (4-6 yrs old) and Intro II (7-9 yrs old). The primary objective is to allow each athlete to build important fundamental skills throughout each level in order to propel them into the sport of Baseball.

  • Each participant will receive a t-shirt
  • Low participant to instructor ratio

Equipment Needed

  • Players should bring their own glove
  • Bats, baseballs, and helmets will be provided

Cost

$140 per participant | $130 per participant with Early Bird Discount (no code needed)

A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

Next Session Schedules and Times / Register

  • Winter Registration: January 7th – February 25th, 2027. | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
  • Spring Registration: March 11th – April 29th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
  • Summer 1 Registration: May 5th – June 24th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
  • Summer 2 Registration: July 29th – September 16th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
  • Fall Registration: September 23rd – November 11th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027

Cheerleading

Levels Available: Intro I & II

Be the next cheerleading star with our Intro to Cheerleading classes! This exciting new program at the National Sports Center teaches cheerleading fundamentals to kids ages 4-9.Our intro classes help your aspiring cheerleader gain the skills and confidence to shine. We focus on safety and fun in a supportive environment.

Levels Available

Intro I: Intended for first time participants with little/no experience; recommended for ages 4-6.

​Intro II: Intended for participants with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and recommended for ages 7-9.

Description and Features

Be the next cheerleading star with our Intro to Cheerleading classes! This exciting new program at the National Sports Center teaches cheerleading fundamentals to kids ages 4-9. Our intro classes help your aspiring cheerleader gain the skills and confidence to shine. We focus on safety and fun in a supportive environment.  Kids will improve flexibility, balance, and motion skills while making new friends. Finish the session by showing off new abilities at a parent showcase. If your kid dreams of leading crowd cheers and nailing those aerial stunts, our Intro to Cheerleading is the perfect place to start.

Curriculum:

    • Learn cheer motions, jumps, stunting, basic tumbling, and dance
    • Build coordination, confidence, and teamwork

Equipment Needed

No equipment is required for intro to cheerleading. Participants should wear comfortable athletic clothes and shoes and bring a water bottle.

Cost

$140 per participant | $130 per participant with Early Bird Discount (no code needed)

 

A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

Next Session Schedules and Time / Register

  • Winter 27 Registration: January 4th – February 22nd, 2027. | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
  • Spring 27 Registration: March 8th – April 26th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
  • Summer 1 Registration: May 3rd – June 28th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm (no practice on 5/31)
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
  • Summer 2 Registration: July 26th – September 13th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm (no practice on 9/6 – 9/8 make up class)
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
  • Fall Registration: September 20th – November 8th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027

Flag Football

Don’t miss this explosive opportunity! Enroll your child in “Intro to Flag Football” and watch them embark on an adventure bursting with excitement, self-belief, and an unquenchable love for the game. The journey to football glory commences here! Sign up today and see your child’s athletic passion ignite like never before!

Levels Available

Intro I:
Intended for first time players with no experience; ages 5-7.

​Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and ages 8-10.

Description and Features

Intro to Flag Football is a progressive development system for young athletes who are interested in the sport of Flag Football. There are two levels within the Program: Intro I and Intro II. The primary objective is to allow each athlete to build important fundamental skills throughout each level in order to propel them into the sport of Flag Football.

    • Each participant will receive a t-shirt
    • Low participant to instructor ratio

Equipment Needed

  • Tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes recommended
  • No other equipment needed, flags will be provided.

Cost

$140 per participant | $130 per participant with Early Bird Discount (no code needed)

A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

Next Session Schedules and Times / Register

  • Winter 27 Registration: January 7th – February 25th, 2027. | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
  • Spring 27 Registration: March 11th – April 29th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
  • Summer 1 Registration: May 5th – June 24th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
  • Summer 2 Registration: July 29th – September 16th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
  • Fall Registration: September 23rd – November 11th, 2027 | Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027

Ice Hockey

Get ready to lace up your child’s first sporting adventure with our “Intro to Hockey” clinic, custom-tailored for young enthusiasts aged 4 to 9! It’s time to unleash your child’s inner ice warrior and watch them glide into the thrilling world of hockey.

Levels Available (4+ years old)

Intro I:
Intended for first-time hockey players who have gone through some skating skills in the past.

​Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience in hockey.

​Intro III:
Intended for players who have some general experience in hockey.

Description & Features

Intro to Hockey is a progressive development system for young athletes who are interested in the sport of hockey. There are three levels within the Intro to Hockey Program: Intro I, II, and III. The primary objective is to allow each athlete to build important fundamental skills throughout each level in order to propel them into the sport of hockey. Intro to Hockey introduces young players to the basic fundamental skills of hockey including skating, puck control, passing, and everything in between! All levels incorporate hockey skills with motor, physical, mental and social skills in a positive environment. This program also builds self esteem, confidence, promotes sportsmanship and fair play while instilling a love and passion for the game of hockey.

Curriculum:

    • Intro 1 (intended for first-time hockey players who have gone through some skating skills in the past) *Must be able to fall down and get up on their own
      • Athletic Skills Development: Stand up, Fall, March, Glide, Dip, Snowplow Stop, Forward Swizzles, Glide Turns
      • Puck Skills Development: Proper Stick Placement, Stationary Puck Handling
    • Intro II (intended for players with little experience in hockey) *Hockey I Prerequisite or being able to skate the width of the rink without problems
      • Athletic Skills Development: Forward Swizzles, Forward Hockey Shuffle, Forward Slalom, 1 Foot Glide, Snowplow Stop (both feet), Forward C Cuts, Forward Scooter Pushes, Forward Crossovers, Forward Stride
    • Puck Skills Development: Stationary Puck Handling, Open Ice Carry, Forehand Sweep Pass, Receiving a Pass, Forehand Sweep Shot
  • Intro III (intended for players who have some general experience in hockey) * Prerequisite Hockey I & II or forward skating with proficiency
    • Athletic Skills Development: Backward Swizzles, Backward Hockey Shuffle, Backward Slalom, Backward 1-foot Glide, Hockey Stop, Backward C Cuts, Backward Alternating C Cuts, Power Turn

Puck Skills Development: Backhand Sweep Pass, Receiving a Backhand Sweep Pass, Open Ice Carry in a Circle, Backhand Sweep Shot

 

Equipment Needed

  • Helmet required (with full facemask recommended)
  • Mouth guard
  • Shoulder pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Hockey gloves or other gloves required
  • Hockey pants/breezers or long pants
  • Shin pads
  • Hockey socks or sweat pants to cover shin pads
  • Skates
  • Hockey stick
  • Jersey will be provided for all participants

Cost

 Intro I: $260 per participant | $250 per participant with Early Bird Discount

Intro II and III: $360 per participant | $350 per participant with Early Bird Discount

A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

Next Session Schedules and Times / Register

  • Levels 1-3: Level 1 5:40-6:20 | Level 2 5:40-6:40| Level 3 5:40-6:40
  • Winter: NO Winter Intro to Hockey – (Dryland Hockey Training information below)
  • Spring 27 Registration: March 10th – April 28th, 2027 | Wednesdays
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
  • Summer 1 Registration: May 5th – June 23rd, 2027 | Wednesdays 
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
  • Summer 2 Registration: July 28th – September 15th, 2027 | Wednesdays 
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
  • Fall Registration: September 22nd – November 10th, 2027 | Wednesdays 
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 202

*NEW* Hockey Dryland Training

Hockey Dryland Training is a brand new class at the National Sports Center designed to help young players up their game off the ice. This indoor turf program focuses on building strength, conditioning, and overall athleticism in a fun, high-energy environment.

Levels Available - Ages 6-12

Description & Features

Led by experienced Intro to Hockey coaches, athletes will run, jump, and compete in age-appropriate drills that improve speed, balance, coordination, and endurance—no skates required. Through engaging, hockey-inspired activities, players will build a strong athletic foundation that translates directly to better on-ice performance, all while staying active and having fun.

 

Equipment Needed

  • Tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes recommended
  • Water bottle

Cost

$140 per participant | $130 per participant with Early Bird Discount (no code needed)

 

A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

Next Session Schedules and Times / Register

  • Winter 27 Registration: January 4th – February 22nd, 2027. | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
  • Spring 27 Registration: March 8th – April 26th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
  • Summer 1 Registration: May 3rd – June 28th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm (no practice on 5/31)
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
  • Summer 2 Registration: July 26th – September 13th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm (no practice on 9/6 – 9/8 make up class)
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
  • Fall Registration: September 20th – November 8th, 2027 | Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027

    Soccer

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to introduce your child to the world of soccer. Sign up for our ‘Intro to Soccer’ clinic today, and watch your young athlete kickstart their soccer journey with enthusiasm, skill, and an enduring love for the game. Join us for a fantastic soccer adventure, where learning and fun go hand in hand! Enroll now and get ready to cheer on your soccer star!

    Levels Available

    Intro I:
    Intended for first time players with no experience; ages 2-3.

    ​Intro II:
    Intended for players with little experience; ages 4-5.

    ​Intro III:
    Intended for players who have little to some general experience; ages 6-8.

    ​Intro IV:
    Intended for players who have some experience; ages 8-10.

    ​Intro V:
    (Advanced) Intended for players who have experience, recommended for ages 10-12.


    Description & Features

    • Intro to Soccer is a progressive development system for 2-12 year old young athletes who are interested in the sport of soccer. There are five levels within the Intro to Soccer Program. The primary objective is to allow each athlete to build important fundamental skills throughout each level in order to propel them into the sport of soccer.
    • Intro to Soccer introduces young players to the basic fundamental skills of soccer such as passing, shooting, receiving the ball, and running with the ball to learn the concept of team play.
    • All levels incorporate soccer skills with motor, physical, mental and social skills in a positive environment. This program also builds self esteem, confidence, promotes sportsmanship and fair play while instilling a love and passion for the game of soccer.
    • Cirriculum:
          • Intro 1
            • Skills Development: Dribbling, Moving with the ball, Short passes
            • Athletic Development:Running, Jumping, Hopping, Twisting, Turning
              Stopping, Starting, Changing Pace, Running to open space
            • Primary Objective:Learning about soccer in a positive and fun environment with stations, games, and activities.
          • Intro 2
            • Skills Development: Dribbling, Passing, Change of Direction
            • Athletic Development: Agility & Footwork,Balance, Coordination, & Flexibility
            • Primary Objective: Developing a confident athlete within the sport of Soccer. Understanding of basic game play and strategy.
          • Intro 3
            • Skills Development: Shooting, Defending, Attacking, Passing
            • Athletic Development: Agility & Footwork, Complex Coordination, Directional Speed
            • Primary Objective:Introducing strategic components of the game. Encouraging growth with small sided and free play opportunities.
          • Intro 4
            • Skills Development: Shooting, Defending, Attacking, Passing,Foot skills, Juggling
            • Athletic Development: Agility & Footwork, Complex Coordination, Direction Speed
            • Primary Objective: Introducing strategic components of the game including positioning. Encouraging growth with small sided and free play opportunities.
          • Intro 5
            • Skills Development: Shooting, Defending, Attacking, Passing, Foot skills, Juggling
            • Athletic Development: Agility & Footwork, Complex Coordination, Direction Speed
            • Primary Objective: Introducing strategic components of the game including positioning and introduction of offsides. Encouraging growth with small sided and free play opportunities.

    Equipment Needed

    • Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes recommended
    • Shin guards recommended for Intro to Soccer III; no equipment required for Intro to Soccer I and II

    Cost

    $140 per participant | $130 per participant with Early Bird Discount (no code needed)

    A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

    Next Session Schedules and Times / Register

      • Levels 1-3: Level 1 6:00-6:30 | Level 2 5:00-5:45 | Level 3 6:00-6:50
      • Winter 27 Registration: January 6th – February 24th, 2027. | Wednesdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
      • Spring 27 Registration: March 10th – April 28th, 2027 | Wednesdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
      • Summer 1 Registration: May 5th – June 23rd, 2027 | Wednesdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
      • Summer 2 Registration: July 28th – September 15th, 2027 | Wednesdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
      • Fall Registration: September 22nd – November 10th, 2027 | Wednesdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027
      • Levels 4-5: Level 4 5:00-6:00 | Level 5 5:00-6:00
      • Winter 27 Registration:  January 7th – February 25th, 2027. | Thursdays 
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  December 9th, 2026
      • Spring 27 Registration: March 11th – April 29th, 2027 | Thursdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: February 10th, 2027
      • Summer 1 Registration: May 5th – June 24th, 2027 | Thursdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  April 7th, 2027
      • Summer 2 Registration: July 29th – September 16th, 2027 | Thursdays
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing:  June 30th, 2027
      • Fall Registration: September 23rd – November 11th, 2027 | Thursdays 
      • Last day for Early Bird Pricing: August 25th, 2027

    FAQs for Beginners

     

    How do I register?

    • Registration links can be found under each sport tab above

    When will I receive session updates?

    Participants will receive an email one week prior to the first day of the program with all the information needed. If you have any questions prior to then, please feel free to reach out to the specific program director.

    Are there pre-requisites for each level?

    • All Intro Programs are designed based on age level.
    • For any questions regarding which level to register for, please feel free to reach out to the specific program director.

    Can parents participate in class / be on the field or court?

    Our intro to sport programs are led by our experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff. We ask that parents do not participate on the field/court with the participants during class (warming up before class is fine is space is available). IF your child requires extra assistance during class, please contact the program director prior to the class starting to work out a plan with the coaching staff.

    Will I be notified for weather cancellations?

    • Indoor Sports/Practices: Indoor Practices will not be canceled due to inclement weather.
    • Outdoor Practices: Participants will be notified 3-4 hours prior to the start of practice if inclement weather cancels practice for that day.

    Program Fee

    Program Fee includes a jersey, 8 practices, and a fun and inviting atmosphere to learn.

    *Financial scholarships available: please contact the program director for more information and to request the financial scholarship application form.

    Refund Policy

    – 30-10 days prior to start of class – 75% refund
    – 9 days prior – 50% refund
    – After session begins: No Refunds
    – Injuries = full refund with medical note (dependent on # of sessions attended)

    Program Cancelation Policy
    The following policy will be enacted IF a program hosted by the National Sports Center MUST be canceled by the directives of the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota Department of Health. Please know that our top priority on making decisions moving forward will be the safety and health of our participants, coaches, employees, and spectators.

    Participants will receive a refund for your program entry. Participant registration refunds will be processed at 100% of the registration total.

    *Please note that if a participant elects to drop prior to the program, the above voucher policy will be in effect. This includes participants making their own decision to withdraw prior to the potential cancellation.

    If a customer (club, *team, individual) is required to quarantine due to illness or exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and are unable to participate for this reason, a refund will be not be issued unless done within the parameters of the existing policy. The event director will reschedule, if possible. Reschedules are not guaranteed to be on the same day or time as originally scheduled.

    *Roster adjustments may be allowed per event directors discretion.

    Surcharge Fee

    A 3% surcharge will be added to all payments made by credit/debit card. This fee will be due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.

     

    Interested in Coaching?

    By becoming a coach for children aged 4 to 9 in their first sports experience, you’re not just teaching sports; you’re shaping their futures. Join this incredible adventure, where the rewards are immeasurable, and the impact is everlasting. Enrich young lives and inspire the next generation of athletes.

    How to Become an NSC Coach

    If you love sports, and want to teach kids the basics of a game, let us know! The NSC Intro to Sports Programs offer competitive pay and bonuses for those who coach multiple sessions in a row.

    To Apply – please send an email to Ellen Jones – [email protected] with the program(s) you are interested in with your resume.

    We look forward to hearing from you!

    Sponsors

    • Youth Sports Scholarships

    • Healthy Places to Play

    • Physical Literacy

    Donate Now

    Contact

    1750 105th Ave NE
    Blaine, MN 55449
    P: 763-785-5600

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