First Shift program scores with area children

Frontenac Fury | Nov 02, 2016

Thirty-two boys and girls aged six to 10 are taking part in a unique hockey development program to promote a love of hockey and physical activity. Hosted by the Frontenac Fury Girls' Hockey Association, the First Shift program allows students who have never played hockey before to share a positive first experience with seasoned coaching staff and players. The program also aims to remove barriers that might prevent children or families from trying hockey in the first place. For the Fury, this means making them feel at home within our hockey community and to stimulate a desire for continued participation. Thanks to funding from Hockey Canada, Bauer and local sponsors at Kingston's Canadian Tire, all participants are outfitted head-to-toe in equipment valued at more than $1,000. Participating families only pay $199. In addition to the equipment, volunteer Fury coaches, players and community volunteers provide six on-ice sessions. A grant to the Fury from South Frontenac Township has allowed the fury to extend the on-ice instruction by an additional six sessions. So far, with two on-ice sessions under their belt, both participants and mentors are having a great time getting to know one another and have fun! While the fall session is full, the Fury are accepting new participants for the winter session to begin in the new year. For more information, please visit http://frontenacfury.ca/news.php?news_id=1334080