Excellence in Action: XCSO Introduces Field Testing Program
XCSO supports the pursuit of excellence whether you are an athlete, coach, official, wax technician, or event host. We are committed to ensuring that Ontario clubs, athletes and coaches are consistently recognized as among Canada’s best.
Introducing the XCSO Field Testing Protocols
Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) is proud to launch the new XCSO Field Testing Program—a practical, athlete-centered approach designed to support long-term development across the province.
Built around simple, effective assessments that focus on movement quality and physical readiness, this program empowers athletes and coaches to track progress, identify areas for growth, and strengthen daily training environments. The tests are easy to administer, require minimal equipment, and can be seamlessly integrated into club training plans.
Watch the Launch: Head to XCSO’s YouTube Channel to view our May 2025 Community Update introducing the program. You can also download the slide deck here.
See the Tests in Action: Starting in early June, demonstration videos for each test—performed by NTDC Thunder Bay athletes—will be available on XCSO’s YouTube channel. These videos will offer clear guidance on how to perform and assess each protocol.
Host a Testing Block at Your Club: Incorporate the Field Testing Program into your club’s training plan. Host a testing block, record the data, and upload your results using the official recording template. Your data helps inform both athlete development and province-wide program planning.
Pilot Year: 2025 is a pilot year for this initiative. If you spot errors or unclear instructions, please email [email protected]. A formal feedback period will take place in October 2025.
🚀 Let’s raise the bar—together.
Documents:
Field Testing Manual V2 – June 20, 2025: Download the Protocol in PDF
Watch the Demonstrations (3000 m run and broad jump coming soon)
Recording Template – Updated June 14, 2025
– Google Sheets or
– Excel File for Download
Read the Protocol – v2 20250620:
2025 Cross Country Ski Ontario Testing Program v2 20250620
Nakkertok is Hiring a New Development (U14/U16) Coach
Nakkertok is Hiring a New Development (14/U16) Coach
The Nakkertok Racing Program (NRP) is seeking to hire a new and enthusiastic full-time member of our professional nordic ski racing coaching staff, whose primary responsibility will be to lead the coaching and management of our racing Development Program (U14 and U16).
If you are interested in joining our team please contact Nakkertok’s Chair of the Racing Committee, Larry Hegan, at [email protected] with a cover letter and resume before March 31, 2025.
Posting - New U14_16 Coach Nakkertok (Spring 2024)
Career Opportunity: NTDC Assistant Coach & XCSO Development Coach
NTDC Assistant Coach & XCSO Development Coach
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
Salary: $52,000 to $70,000, plus benefits (dependent on experience and accreditation)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Start Date: May 1, 2025
Are you passionate about coaching and ready to help shape the future of cross-country skiing in Ontario? This is your chance to make a lasting impact on athlete development in a unique dual role that combines the best of high-performance coaching and provincial athlete development.
Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) and the National Team Development Centre (NTDC) in Thunder Bay are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and experienced coach—or a former high-performance/varsity athlete eager to pursue a career in coaching—to join our team.
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to inspire, mentor, and elevate the next generation of athletes to compete on the national and international stage.
If you are interested in joining our team contact XCSO Executive Director, Stephanie Marler at [email protected] with a cover letter and resume before March 31, 2025. Please put “NTDC Assistant Coach” in the subject line.
For more information about XCSO, visit XCSO’s Website, follow us on Instagram, or check out our strategic plan.
For more information about NTDC, visit NTDC’s Website, follow us on Instagram, or check out our strategic plan.
Let’s work together to shape the future of cross-country skiing in Ontario.
Career Opportunity_ NTDC Assistant Coach & XCSO Development Coach
Highlands Trailblazers is Hiring!
Highlands Trailblazers is looking to hire a part time “Lead Coach Race Development XC skiing”
Check out the job ad here: XC race development lead coach JD
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