ROSTHERN — Rosthern Community School and Trach Sports Academy are joining forces to provide rural student athletes with some of the same opportunities urban students have, with a program set to launch in the fall of 2026.
Prairie Spirit School Division first engaged with Trach Sports Academy two years ago and has programs running in both Warman and Martensville.
Jordan Trach, Trach Sports Academy, described Rosthern as always being “a sports-hungry community,” and said in the promotional video that the expansion is all about creating opportunity for rural athletes, giving kids in sports-hungry communities the chance to train, develop and grow without having to leave home.
“Watching Martensville and Warman open a sports academy has been an incredible experience for Prairie Spirit. And we are so excited to be the next school that gets to do this,” Andrea Foster, principal of Rosthern Community School, said.
The program allows student-athletes to train, learn and lead during the school day, emphasizing more than just sports skills. It focuses on developing leadership, confidence and a sense of community. Students engage in their sport while also attending classroom sessions. The program promotes a holistic approach by combining sport-specific training, strength and conditioning and mental health and leadership development, providing a comprehensive experience for athletes of all levels. Financial literacy is identified as a core element of the program. “Teaching strong financial habits helps our athletes build confidence, responsibility and skills that benefit both their athletic careers and everyday life.”
Information found on the Trach Sports Academy website details what is included:
• 80 hours of skill sessions, some run by professionals in the sport and some guided by Prairie Spirit staff
• 40 strength and conditioning sessions
• 40 leadership and mental performance sessions
• 40 physical education sessions
• 35+ Flex Fridays (days in which athletes can catch up on schoolwork, or spend time on their sport)
Daily Schedule:
The group operates five days a week (unless there is no school) and runs the entire school year.
Athletes receive one hour of athletic development and one hour of academic development each day.
The academies are integrated into the regular school schedule, providing students access to high-quality athletic training while maintaining a strong focus on academic achievements. This school-academy partnership offers student-athletes the opportunity to receive elite-level athletic training during school hours while earning high school credits through exceptional in-person instruction.
A variety of professional partners serve as mentors, trainers, strength coaches, guest speakers and community partners. These collaborations ensure students receive expert instruction in athletics, wellness and leadership, all while remaining closely connected to their school community and prioritizing academic success.
Academy students remain fully connected to their home school community, attending morning classes with their peers, participating in school-based activities and maintaining relationships with friends and staff. In the afternoon, students transition to their academy program, with transportation provided by the school division. Student-athletes receive academic credits for their training and learning instruction from Prairie Spirit teachers following the Saskatchewan curriculum, receiving physical education and elective credits in alignment with the provincial curriculum.
This structure supports a strong academic engagement in the morning, followed by high-level athletic and academic development in the afternoon. It also theoretically allows for more free time in the evenings for family, friends, work and other extracurricular activities.
Each offered sports program is contingent on minimum enrollment numbers and students must be enrolled in a school in Prairie Spirit School Division. The program follows SHSAA guidelines and focuses on several key areas:
• Developing skills and promoting physical literacy
• Encouraging leadership and fostering character education
• Enhancing time management and instilling student accountability
• Providing both sport-specific and general athletic training
• Supporting academic achievement and overall well-being
The program fee is $3,900, broken down into an initial online payment of $500 and 10 additional payments of $340 made by post-dated cheques made out to Trach Power Skating and Skills Inc and presented on the first day of the program.
An open house information evening was held at the school on Jan. 28.
