OUR TEAMS
Eastern Loudoun Wrestling Club (ELWC) is one large club comprised of different teams with their own practice and competition schedules. Participants receive general communications from the club, but team-specific information will be communicated to families directly from coaches.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON WILL OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2022
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON WILL OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2022
JUNIOR LEOPARDS (grades K-2)
Boys and girls are introduced to the beginning basics of wrestling while emphasizing body awareness, agility, balance, movement, etc. (often through games). Most importantly, we want the kids to have a great time and positive experience. By separating these children from older wrestlers, we ensure they receive age-appropriate instruction. All K-2 participants will be assigned to this group unless coaches approve a child in the next higher program.
At this age, we normally do not encourage competition. Many in this age group aren't ready to compete (mainly emotionally/mentally), and this is perfectly normal. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they are welcome to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which begins in December. Wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year. At the present time, the above coaches may not be at these events, however, there are likely other ELWC coaches who can coach the wrestlers. More of the pros and cons of competing will be discussed once the season starts for anyone who is interested.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5)
This team focuses on fundamentals. But most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. We understand some wrestlers on these teams may be motivated, mature and talented enough to participate in more serious practices.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may be more advanced athletically or able to focus at a higher level than peers. If you believe a second grader is better suited for the Leopards team (as opposed to Junior Leopards), we can discuss. In contrast, if it turns out a child in the Leopards group would be better suited for the Junior Leopards, the coaches will let you know. In general, though, we believe it's better to be "bumped up" rather than "bumped down." 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity. Finally, older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Our Middle School teams are comprised mainly of new and novice wrestlers (more advanced wrestlers join the Gold team, as described below). Our teams mainly compete in the Winter Wrestling Series. They also may have the opportunity to compete in other events during the season. Because there are many options, each coach will explain the opportunities to the parents after the season begins.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8)
This group is invitation-only and is generally comprised of experienced, motivated, dedicated and mature wrestlers. Most kids are older with multiple years of experience. The coaches expect athletes to take practice seriously and reserve the right to move wrestlers in/out of this team for the good of the team. This will largely be comprised of wrestlers in 5th grade and older, although all former Gold wrestlers are invited back into this group and exceptions can be approved.
All middle school wrestlers will be recognized on their middle school teams as well as the Gold Leopards, and we hope to offer opportunities for them to compete/practice with other students from their schools. Working with local high school coaches, we understand our middle school team program is unique in the region, and we do not want gold wrestlers to miss out on this experience, including forming relationships with future teammates and coaches.
Boys and girls are introduced to the beginning basics of wrestling while emphasizing body awareness, agility, balance, movement, etc. (often through games). Most importantly, we want the kids to have a great time and positive experience. By separating these children from older wrestlers, we ensure they receive age-appropriate instruction. All K-2 participants will be assigned to this group unless coaches approve a child in the next higher program.
At this age, we normally do not encourage competition. Many in this age group aren't ready to compete (mainly emotionally/mentally), and this is perfectly normal. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they are welcome to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which begins in December. Wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year. At the present time, the above coaches may not be at these events, however, there are likely other ELWC coaches who can coach the wrestlers. More of the pros and cons of competing will be discussed once the season starts for anyone who is interested.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5)
This team focuses on fundamentals. But most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. We understand some wrestlers on these teams may be motivated, mature and talented enough to participate in more serious practices.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may be more advanced athletically or able to focus at a higher level than peers. If you believe a second grader is better suited for the Leopards team (as opposed to Junior Leopards), we can discuss. In contrast, if it turns out a child in the Leopards group would be better suited for the Junior Leopards, the coaches will let you know. In general, though, we believe it's better to be "bumped up" rather than "bumped down." 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity. Finally, older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Our Middle School teams are comprised mainly of new and novice wrestlers (more advanced wrestlers join the Gold team, as described below). Our teams mainly compete in the Winter Wrestling Series. They also may have the opportunity to compete in other events during the season. Because there are many options, each coach will explain the opportunities to the parents after the season begins.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8)
This group is invitation-only and is generally comprised of experienced, motivated, dedicated and mature wrestlers. Most kids are older with multiple years of experience. The coaches expect athletes to take practice seriously and reserve the right to move wrestlers in/out of this team for the good of the team. This will largely be comprised of wrestlers in 5th grade and older, although all former Gold wrestlers are invited back into this group and exceptions can be approved.
All middle school wrestlers will be recognized on their middle school teams as well as the Gold Leopards, and we hope to offer opportunities for them to compete/practice with other students from their schools. Working with local high school coaches, we understand our middle school team program is unique in the region, and we do not want gold wrestlers to miss out on this experience, including forming relationships with future teammates and coaches.