THEY SHOOT, THEY SCORE
Kids are winners in New Waterford road hockey league
Kids are winners in New Waterford area road hockey league.
The New Waterford Kinsmen Club has scored when it comes to organizing youth activities.
In an earlier story in the Cape Breton, Post Ken MacPherson, a member of the Kinsmen Club, appealed to youth in New Waterford, River Ryan, Lingan, Scotchtown and New Victoria to sign up for a road hockey league. MacPherson thought they might get about 30 names.
“We are now up to 88 — it is incredible,” said MacPherson, who is chair of the Kinsmen Road Hockey project.
“I was pleasantly surprised. This is not just for boys, if girls want to play they are more than welcome.”
The Kinsmen decided to try a road hockey league as a way to engage youth in recreational activity and encourage personal growth.
“This is more than just a kid chasing a ball around a parking lot,” he said.
“This is about personal growth and community involvement. We want the kids to see that it’s good to belong to something that’s bigger than yourself and to participate in something like that.”
People ages eight to 18 from New Waterford and surrounding communities are invited to sign up for the league, which includes three divisions.
MacPherson said they received the biggest response from the eight-to-11 age group. Although youth right up to age 18 are encouraged to join, MacPherson said there is a real need for more in the 12-14 age range.
The league will run throughout the summer and end off with playoffs in each of the three divisions. The Kinsmen will sponsor the winning teams to compete in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Because You Care Cup tournament in September. MacPherson said the club will pay the $200 minimum registration fee for each of the teams. However, players will be encouraged to raise money for the hospital foundation with guidance from the Kinsmen and committees formed from parents and volunteers.
“It’s meant to provide not only a recreational activity but also some personal growth. We want to engage them in fundraising and make it fun to do so.”
The overwhelming response to the road hockey league means it’s going to require a lot more work than they originally thought.
“Our club only has seven members. I’m the youngest at 54 years old.”
MacPherson said the success of the league is going to heavily depend on parents and other volunteers participating and helping out.
“We are also going to engage the 17- to 18-year-olds in coaching some of the younger teams.”
MacPherson said their club is working with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and has been able to secure the outside rink on Eighth Street from June to August.
The Kinsmen are meeting with minor baseball and soccer officials to work out the schedule.
“The purpose is to organize the schedule a way where the kids can participate in all of the recreational activities.”
Two parking lots on Wood Avenue are also going to be utilized.
MacPherson said sponsors helping purchase equipment. The league is also looking for team sponsors for $250, which covers cost of the shirts and equipment for a team.
All participants need is a stick, helmet and eye protection. Hockey nets, goalie equipment and shirts are provided.
Anyone wishing to register their child or volunteer can email kinsmenroadhockey@gmail.com The deadline is May 19. Volunteer applications can be found on the Kinsmen Road Hockey Facebook page.