Launched in 2015, Hockey 4 Youth’s mission is to increase social inclusion for new Canadian (newcomer) and high-priority youth through two aspects of programming:

  1. On-Ice Programming: Free Ice Hockey

  2. Off-Ice Programming: T.E.A.C.H Program

Since 2015, we have worked with over 700 children and youth from 41 countries of origin including Syria, Brazil, Afghanistan, Yemen, India, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Somalia, Cuba, the Philippines, and Mexico.

We are currently offering 11 programs to schools in Vancouver, Vernon, Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

On-Ice Programing: Free Hockey

Hockey 4 Youth fosters social inclusion for newcomer & high-priority teens and youth of all genders through FREE ice hockey. We provide the following at no cost:

  • Equipment: skates, helmets, neck guards, elbow pads, chest/shoulder protectors, shin guards, hockey pants and socks, skates and jerseys 

  • Ice time: 18 - 22 weeks of learn to skate/learn to play programs

  • Coaching

  • Transportation for field trips

  • Snacks

  • Access to inclusive tournaments

RATIONALE

NEWCOMERS LEFT OUT

Hockey is a significant part of Canadian culture but many newcomers are left out. According to the Institute of Canadian Citizenship, 71% of newcomers express an interest in hockey but only 1% will have an opportunity to play (see image below).

ACCORDING to THE INSTITUTE OF CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP, 71% OF NEW CANADIANS EXPRESS INTEREST IN HOCKEY YET ONLY 1% WILL GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE GAME.

COST

According to a 2016 story in The Guardian, a family would have to spend $3,700 for 1 youth (age 11 - 17) to play one year of hockey. This makes Canada’s national game cost prohibitive for new Canadian families living in high priority neighbourhoods.

GIRLS LEAVING SPORTS

Finally, according to Canadian Women & Sport, “among girls who have participated in sport, there is a dramatic dropout rate observed with 1 in 3 girls leaving sport by late adolescence. By comparison, the dropout rate for teenage boys (aged 16-18) is only 1 in 10.”

With these barriers in mind, we created FREE hockey programming serving teens in several cities across Canada.

How Can You support hockey 4 youth? 

  1. Donate funds so we can continue with our mission!

  2. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and share our message with friends and family.

  3. Become a Partner

  4. Designate us as the charity recipient at your next event! Contact info@hockey4youth.org for more information.