Kingston, Ontario – As previously announced, the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA), BGC South East and the Kingston Frontenacs have entered into a partnership that will bring grassroots hockey programs to Kingston and the surrounding areas. The time has officially come for the Hockey Diversity Alliance, BGC South East and Kingston Frontenacs to introduce the next steps of their Learn to Play grassroots ball hockey program, which is now active at the BGC South East main facility on Bath Road.
The Learn to Play grassroots ball hockey program is designed to inspire the next generation of young athletes and provide children from underrepresented communities with the opportunity to play the sport of hockey at no cost.
“The Hockey Diversity Alliance is excited to team up with the BGC South East and the Kingston Frontenacs to introduce a grassroots program in Kingston”, said Edward Aliu, Operations Director for the Hockey Diversity Alliance. “With a strong emphasis on enhancing accessibility, the HDA considers it paramount to make the game more inclusive. As our programs flourish in the GTA, we are excited to extend our endeavours to Kingston, actively fostering the growth of hockey. The expansion to Kingston serves as the inaugural step in our comprehensive provincial expansion plans, aimed at promoting accessible hockey to a wider audience.”
The program will allow children (ages 6-12 years old) and youth (ages 13 to 17 years old) the opportunity to put a stick in their hands and play the game of hockey in a safe and fun environment. Children who are a part of the BGC South East after school program will have multiple opportunities per week to play, while youth will be participating on a drop-in basis once per week.
“All of us at BGC South East are excited to enter into this partnership with the Hockey Diversity Alliance and the Kingston Frontenacs,” said Don Thomas, Manager of Partnerships and Sales at BGC South East. “Being able to provide children and youth in our community an additional opportunity to experience the sport of hockey and become connected to the game is very special for us. We have no doubt that this program will produce positive results for years to come.”
The Learn to Play grassroots ball hockey program will centre around a curriculum provided by the Hockey Diversity Alliance and it is designed to allow participants in the program the ability to play and become excited about the sport. Every participant in the program will be equipped with a hockey stick, helmet, hockey gloves, shinpads and a reversible HDA branded pinnie while playing.
The program will be overseen by staff at the BGC South East and the Kingston Frontenacs to ensure that a fun and interactive environment is in place to maximize the growth of each individual involved. Thanks to the HDA, each staff involved will receive 3 hours of training to help implement the standards set by the HDA in their GTA based grassroots programs.
With the support of the Kingston Frontenacs, participants in the Learn to Play program will have the opportunity to attend a Kingston Frontenacs game, as well as interact with players, coaches and the team’s mascot. The experience will be designed to introduce the upcoming athletes to a live hockey experience. During these games, participating children and youth will be able to interact with Kingston Frontenacs players and coaches, be a part of the teams high-five alley as the Frontenacs players hit the ice during the second intermission, while experiencing the excitement of a live hockey game!
“It’s an honour for the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club to be working hand in hand with the Hockey Diversity Alliance and BGC South East”, said Colton Robb, Manager of Marketing and Digital Media with the Kingston Frontenacs. “All three organizations share a common goal and that is to make hockey more accessible, while continuing the growth of the game. The Frontenacs couldn’t have asked to be partnered with two better non-profit organizations and our hockey club is committed to the success of Kingston’s grassroots hockey programs”.
The BGC South East, HDA and Kingston Frontenacs have created a Canada Helps website where fans can donate to the program and participate in the growth/sustainability of the grassroots initiative. Please visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/80680?v2=true if you are interested in supporting the program.
ABOUT THE HOCKEY DIVERSITY ALLIANCE
The Hockey Diversity Alliance was formed by NHL players of colour who saw an immediate need to organize and create a platform to eradicate racism and promote diversity at all levels in hockey. Committed to inspiring a new and diverse generation of hockey players and fans, the HDA works to improve accessibility at community levels while educating and encouraging accountability from leagues and leaders through anti-racism and unconscious bias education.
The HDA provides grassroots ice & ball hockey programs across the GTA with a focus on new Canadians, marginalized youth and underserved communities. All HDA programs are entirely free of cost for participants and eliminate all barriers to entry surrounding the game. Not only do HDA programs aim to provide opportunities for diverse youth to achieve their potential through sports, but their programs also provide support services, community engagement, and job opportunities for the communities they serve.
https://hockeydiversityalliance.org/
PO Box 61186 RPO Kensington, Calgary, AB T2N 4S6
ABOUT THE BGC SOUTH EAST
BGC South East provides safe, supportive spaces and positive mentoring relationships where young people experience new opportunities and develop confidence and skills for life.
As an organization, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in enriching experiences, such as our Summer camp. Did you know that a $250 donation can provide one full week of Summer camp to a child in our community? With your support and action, we can make a significant difference in the lives of local children. Together, we can empower the next generation and create a brighter future for all.
1300 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 4X4
ABOUT THE KINGSTON FRONTENACS
The Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club strives to provide their players, fans and the city of Kingston with the best sports and entertainment in the Ontario Hockey League. The team’s goal is to strengthen their community, while assisting to develop premier athletes into exceptional people on and off the ice.
The Kingston Frontenacs are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, based in Kingston, Ontario. The Frontenacs play their home games at the Leon’s Centre, which is located at 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston, Ontario.”
https://kingstonfrontenacs.com/
1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston, ON K7K 1A1
