Dallas Stars youth program helps players build skills, have fun

Like any sport, you never know where the next superstar will come from. Of course, often playing a sport can be just for the fun of it.

Either way, the Dallas Stars Little Rookies program provides youngsters ages 4-8 with a chance to get better at the game of hockey and have a good time at the same time.

“The Little Rookies program is a youth hockey initiative,” said Jim Lites, Dallas Stars president and CEO.

The program, designed by former Dallas Star and National Hockey League Hall of Famer Mike Modano, is offered five times per year. It offers first-time youth hockey players a chance to try the sport for free.

Each four-week program consists of 30-minute sessions on Saturdays, usually beginning at noon. Locally, they are held at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Euless, 1400 S. Pipeline Road West.

All the necessary equipment is provided.

“The program allows for children in the area to learn about hockey, while being fully outfitted in equipment, without any financial burden to the family,” said Lites. “We are continually committed to growing the sport of hockey in North Texas and across the entire Lone Star State.”

The program has two winter sessions, along with spring, summer and fall. To find the dates, call 817-267-4233 or visit to DrPepperStarCenters.com.

Happy Movements

The Bedford Parks and Recreation Department is offering a different type of yoga class for citizens age 55 and over. Happy Movements provides therapeutic principles with yoga, respecting the body’s changes as it ages.

The class will combine traditional yoga with a more gentle, non-traditional approach. Participants will learn proper breathing techniques and meditation.

No previous yoga experience is required, but participants must be able to get down to and up from the floor.

The next set of classes begins July 28. For more information, visit www.bedfordtx.gov.

BESA hosting British Challenger Camps

Bedford Euless Soccer Association is hosting British Challenger Soccer Camps for various ages Aug. 3-7 at the Stormie Jones Soccer Complex. Camps include First Kicks (ages 3-4), cost $88; Mini-Soccer (5-6), $103; Half-Day (7-16), $134; and Golden Goal (Monday-Thursday, all ages), $55.

For times and more information, e-mail georgewilliams@challengersports.com.

Hurst United Soccer registration

Regular registration for the fall season of Hurst United Soccer is now online. Also, in-person registration will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Northeast Mall.

Anyone who registers between July 26-Aug. 1 will incur a $25 late penalty and will not be guaranteed placement. This also applies to returning players.

Contact husaregistrar@gmail.com

Challenger soccer camps

Blue Sky Sports Center in Euless will host a British Soccer Camp July 27-31. This is one of America’s most popular soccer camps.

Call 817-545-2243 for more information.

Youth baseball registration

Registration for the fall baseball leagues at The Parks at Texas Star is underway through Aug. 16. Leagues include Rookie, A, AA and AAA for ages 3 and up.

For more information, e-mail pats@eulesstx.gov or call 817-685-1838.

Open-play volleyball

Hurst Recreation Center has open-play volleyball on Mondays from 6-10 p.m and 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays. There must be at least four players present in order to set up the net.

Contact the center at 817-788-7325.

Weekly racquetball challenge

The Hurst Recreation Center is holding a racquetball challenge each Tuesday through Thursday from 7-10 p.m. Court 1 is reserved for the Challenge. Players wishing to participate register by signing their name on a form on a clipboard outside the court.

The more you win, the longer you get to keep control of the court.

To participate in the challenge, a person must be age 16 or over. For more information, contact the Hurst Recreation Center at 817-788-7325.

Water aerobics classes

Curious about water aerobics? Drop into a class at a Euless pool and give it a try.

For $10 (non-refundable), visitors can come to a class and see if it’s for them. Classes are offered for various sessions and prices.

The fee cannot be used as credit toward a card punch or membership. For more information, call 817-685-1666.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Dallas Stars youth program helps players build skills, have fun."