Dexter Community Education

Discover the exciting world of field hockey with Dexter Community Education's comprehensive programs designed for boys and girls in grades 1 through 6. Our courses focus on fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, and team concepts. Parents are responsible for providing a stick, shin guards and mouthguard for practices and games. Sticks and shin guards can be provided for new players on a short-term basis. Please be aware: dates are subject to change, especially for teams participating in the A2 Rec & Ed League The 1st-2nd grade program offers one weekday practice. The 3rd-4th grade program offers one weekday practice AND WEEKEND league game in Ann Arbor (Saturday or Sunday - TBD by A2 Rec & Ed). The 5th-6th grade program offers one weekday practice AND WEEKEND league game in Ann Arbor (Saturday or Sunday - TBD by A2 Rec & Ed).

Little Piranhas Swim Lessons program is designed, managed, and run by the Dexter Community Aquatics Club (DCAC). Dive into the world of aquatic adventure with our Little Piranha Swim Lessons, designed to introduce young learners to the joys and skills of swimming in a safe and supportive environment. Our program is structured into three progressive levels, catering to children of varying abilities and comfort levels in the water: Guppy, Clownfish, and Marlin. How It Works: Sign up for your preferred time slot. Arrive 15 minutes early to your first lesson so your swimmer can be sorted into the right level! If you have questions, contact Murphy Hansen at operations@dcacswimming.org Level 1: Guppy Course Description: Our Guppy group is perfect for brand new swimmers and those that may have some lesson experience previously or through another organization. Guppies is also a great place for nervous swimmers because our instructors will help swimmers at this level adapt to and build their confidence in the water! Criteria for Advancement: Guppies will advance to Level 2: Clownfish when they can confidently leave the wall gliding (in a streamline), enter the floating position and hold that float for at least 5 seconds, and recover on their own. Level 2: Clownfish Course Description: The Clownfish group is meant for swimmers who have (1) mastered the skills listed above, are comfortable holding their breath and floating on both their stomachs and backs independently. Clownfish must be able to put their faces in the water, fully submerge their bodies, and hold their breath without using their hands/fingers to squeeze/plug their nose. Criteria for Advancement: Clownfish will advance to the final lesson group in the Little Piranhas Swim Lesson program by using these more advanced water skills to make it across the pool (width of the shallow end of Wylie’s large pool) without the need for any equipment. Level 3: Marlin Course Description: Clownfish will advance to the final lesson group in the Little Piranhas Swim Lesson program by using these more advanced water skills to make it across the pool (width of the shallow end of Wylie’s large pool) without the need for any equipment. Criteria for Advancement: Marlins will master both freestyle (bi-lateral breathing) and backstroke swimming (finishing on to the wall on their backs). Marlins will advance to the next level (DCAC Pre-Team) when they can swim at least a 50 yard freestyle (no time standard), at least a 50 yard backstroke, and are able to tread water for at least 1 minute in the deep end of the pool. “We had been doing swim lessons through a franchise for a few years and we were looking for something different. We were excited to see DCAC was offering swim lessons and decided to give it a try. We like that they were flexible and personalized to different abilities. Another bonus was that lessons were taught by DCAC swimmers, and the coaches were also involved and provided encouragement. It was a great experience that gave our little guy the confidence he needed to join DCAC swim team.” - summer 2022 swim lesson parent

Professional coaching coordinated by Michigan Thunder FC Director of Academy, Sean Myint Little Bolts ages 3-5. Our Little Bolts program aims to develop soccer specific skills such as basic motor skills, balance, coordination, foot-eye coordination, and ball skills. Little Bolts build strong fundamental foundations for physical skills, teamwork and inspires confidence at a young age in a successful atmosphere where learning is fun. It also gives the players the opportunity to play soccer, learn new skills and have an enjoyable sporting experience all while making new friends. A professional coaching staff will deliver this high-energy experience. Our goal is to provide a perfect introduction to the game of soccer while focusing on independence and enhancing your child’s overall growth and well being. You will see happy, confident children who are eager to learn and come back for more. Five year olds have the option of registering for Little Bolts or Strikers. If you're unsure as to which program is best for your participant, we suggest you register for Little Bolts and talk with the coaches at the conclusion of the first practice. Strikers ages 5 -10. Our Thunder Strikers program is designed to support and guide emerging young soccer players and parents into a formalized, structured and developmental soccer environment. The goal is to provide technical training for ALL players who have a strong desire to develop their technical skill level, increase their knowledge and foster a love for the game of soccer. The training will focus on developing technical skills including first touch, dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting and attacking moves. The Thunder Strikers program places a strong emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and the skills that are vital components of competitive soccer and transferable skills to life. Choose from Tuesdays or Thursdays training sessions with in-house games on Saturdays between 10am and noon. What to Bring: Wear shin guards, sneakers or soccer shoes (during outdoor season), bring a water bottle and a size 3 or 4 soccer ball to all sessions. Soccer Shirts: You have the option of purchasing a Michigan Thunder FC t-shirt. MI Thunder partners with DCE to coordinate our youth soccer program. Youth soccer participants are often invited to support the DHS soccer programs on Senior Night or on other special occasions. Wearing the MI Thunder soccer shirt gets the student into the game at no charge. Check the box next to your phone number in your Eleyo profile so you may receive text messages. Please order a shirt separately below in the section titled 7002-SP26 Soccer Shirt Most Common Questions Is my child ready to transition from Little Bolts to Strikers? The primary difference between Little Bolts and Strikers is attention span. Strikers sessions run a full hour and involve more structured drills, skill development, and small-sided game play. Families are encouraged to consider whether their child is ready to stay engaged and focused for the entire session. Is my child too old or too young for the program? Readiness depends on a combination of age, experience, and developmental stage rather than age alone. Placement decisions are based on the child’s ability to participate successfully in the activities and expectations of the program. If you are uncertain which program is the best fit, please reach out to Coach Sean at seanmyint@gmail.com.