Hockey Diversity Alliance launches Ball Hockey Skills pilot program for children in underserved communities

The simple question of access to hockey has always been an obstacle for young people in the BIPOC community. The Hockey Diversity Alliance kicks off its core programming with an exciting new initiative to change that.

On June 16, the HDA unveiled Ball Hockey Skills, a new pilot program that introduces hockey to children ages 6-15 who are not enrolled in organized leagues. The program begins in Toronto and will run until June 30.

“We know from experience that children of color are often unable to play hockey due to access. Through HDA Ball Hockey Skills, we’re breaking down barriers by bringing hockey to kids in their own neighborhood so kids from all walks of life and circumstances feel welcome in the sport we love,” said Akim Aliu. , president of the HDA, in a Friday release.

Ball Hockey Skills will debut in five Toronto communities that have high proportions of BIPOC residents: North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Parkdale and Regent Park. The list of participating community centers in these neighborhoods can be found here.

In the fall, the HDA will expand the ball hockey skills program into an ice hockey skills program. Participation in both programs is free and equipment is provided by Canadian Tire and CCM.

The HDA was founded in June 2020 by NHL players from the BIPOC community who wanted to fight racism and prejudice in sport. Its members include Aliu, Evander Kane, Trevor Daley, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Nazem Kadri, Wayne Simmonds, Chris Stewart and Joel Ward.