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.
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. 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 and is primarily comprised of wrestlers with 0-3 years of experience. Most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. As numbers continue to rebound from the pandemic, the Leopards will combine with some of the younger middle school wrestlers for practice. The team competes in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series (events on Saturdays and Sundays), and the TOP Championships.
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. Older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for middle schools in the Ashburn, Leesburg, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Practices are held at high schools near the middle school attended by the wrestler (if athlete does not attend a school in the area, they will be assigned to a team). 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 (events on Saturday and Sunday), occasional dual meets, and the TOP Championships.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8)
This group is invitation-only on M/W/F at Independence High School 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.
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. 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 and is primarily comprised of wrestlers with 0-3 years of experience. Most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. As numbers continue to rebound from the pandemic, the Leopards will combine with some of the younger middle school wrestlers for practice. The team competes in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series (events on Saturdays and Sundays), and the TOP Championships.
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. Older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for middle schools in the Ashburn, Leesburg, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Practices are held at high schools near the middle school attended by the wrestler (if athlete does not attend a school in the area, they will be assigned to a team). 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 (events on Saturday and Sunday), occasional dual meets, and the TOP Championships.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8)
This group is invitation-only on M/W/F at Independence High School 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.