All NEW 8-week Clinic
Learn to Complete Clinic
Would your skater like to participate in their first ice skating competition? If so, this program is for them!
Competition is more than just winning—it's about building confidence, receiving feedback, and enjoying the excitement of performing. This clinic is a positive first step into the world of competitive skating.
Our Learn to Compete Clinic works on teaching skaters fundamentals to participate in Compete USA Events, with several events offered in the region, designed for skaters in Learn to Skate USA, Aspire 1–4, Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, and Adult 1–Adult Bronze levels.
Wednesdays
5:40-6:20 PM
Dover Ice Arena
Learn to Compete Clinic tuition is $220
for the 8-week session
On-ice instruction will work on mastering skills to compete in “elements” and will not include learning a full program.
*For Pre Preliminary, Preliminary, Adult Pre Bronze, and Adult Bronze, skater may still take this class if they would like to compete in Adult Compulsory or Athlete development events.
Skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate USA classes
Flex skaters (not passed higher than Preliminary Singles)
Adult skaters in Learn to Skate USA
Adults who haven’t passed higher than Adult Bronze Singles
*Skaters must be enrolled in Learn to Skate or have a USFSA Membership and be taking lessons. If you are unsure, please ask.
8 weeks of on-ice instruction
Coaching from experienced instructors
Coach support on competition day
$60 toward the Merrimack Valley Comp
Help with competition registration
During the clinic, information will be provided on upcoming Compete USA Events, including the Merrimack Valley (Newburyport, MA) competition on Nov. 22, 2025, and GBFSC’s own event on March 28, 2026.
Compete USA events promote a fun, introductory competitive experience for the beginner skater. Open to all beginning skaters who are current members of Learn to Skate USA and/or U.S. Figure Skating, Compete USA provides a positive opportunity to compete at the grassroots level.
Competition isn’t just about winning the gold medal. It’s a chance to show off your skills, receive feedback to further improve and drive competitive spirit. Compete USA events promote a fun, introductory competitive experience for the beginner skater. Open to all beginning skaters who are current members of Learn to Skate USA and/or U.S. Figure Skating, Compete USA provides a positive opportunity to compete at the grassroots level.
How to Enter a Compete USA Competition
To participate in Compete USA, you must first be a member of Learn to Skate USA or U.S. Figure Skating.
If you are a member, use our competition search to find an event near you. After reading the competition announcement, choose the events in which you'd like to compete at your appropriate skating level and register before the deadline.
Click here to read the Compete USA Manual.
What is the overall goal of “Learn to compete”?
The clinic is intended to get skaters ready to compete. So using the elements list for basic 1 I mentioned above – coaches would be helping kids practice the skills, showing them what to expect at competitions, preparing them to shine on competition day.
Is there an assessment or tryout required before joining?
No assessment or tryout is required, all skaters in LTS and low level flex are welcome.
How is it determined what level my skater will compete at?
Skaters compete at their own skating level. Our coaches track skaters’ levels in LTSUSA.
My skater does not have a private coach, can they still compete?
YES! On competition day the our GBFSC coaches will be at the competition to aid our GBFSC skaters. If a skaters wants to do a program to music beyond the Elements that would likely require a private coach to help put the program together.
What is the coach to skater ratio for this 8 week class?
We have set the limit for the class to 20, with a 5-10 waitlist. The class size will be determined by how many sign up, but the intent is to have small groups.
My skater/myself is Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Adult Pre-Bronze or Adult Bronze, what will they gain from taking this class?
For Pre Preliminary, Preliminary, Adult Pre Bronze, and Adult Bronze, skater may still take this class if they would like to compete in Adult Compulsory or Athlete Development Events.
Will my skater learn a full program in this 8 week class?
Not a program with music. They will practice a series of elements required at their LTS level.
What are elements?
Like other sports, figure skaters can compete at every age and level. Skaters compete in small “flights” against skaters at their same level. So if you are in Basic 1, the elements you would show off at competition are different than Basic 6.
How do we know what elements my skater needs to master?
Coaches know the requirements for competition and will be teaching toward the competition.
How will my skater's progress be communicated to me during or after the class?
Kids will be in our LTS lessons at the same time as this clinic. LTS is where skaters progress through levels. The clinic is intended to give them confidence to compete
What kind of coach support is provided on competition day?
GBFSC coaches will be present to “load” skaters on at the appropriate time and place. They will guide through the day.
What are the typical costs associated with participating in a Compete USA event beyond the clinic tuition? Does the $60 cover the full competition fee?
Skating competitions typically charge per event. The $60 is intended to cover the Elements event.
Will there be any follow up lessons between the end of this clinic and the March Compete USA?
Skaters should continue to participate in LTS or private lessons. We can discuss a small session prior to March, but this has not been scheduled at this point.