COATESVILLE, PA — Nearly 200 summer campers were treated to a high-energy introduction to hockey on June 29, as the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) and the Philadelphia Flyers teamed up for a youth engagement event at the Coatesville YMCA.
The interactive session featured Flyers-branded equipment, a surprise appearance by team mascot Gritty, and hands-on instruction from Flyers staff and former player Riley Cote. Campers, ranging in age from 6 to 14, rotated through a series of hockey skills stations designed to teach fundamentals in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
The event is part of a growing collaboration between YGBW and the Flyers to expand youth access to recreational sports. By bringing the game directly to local communities, the organizations aim to foster physical activity, teamwork, and confidence among young people—especially those who may not otherwise have exposure to the sport.
“Partners, like those from the Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast Spectacor, allow us to bring opportunities to life for children of any and every background in our care,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
To support the effort, the Flyers donated hockey gear—including sticks, balls, and pinnies—to the YMCA. The equipment will remain at the Coatesville branch to support future programming and ongoing skill development for area youth.
“Today was all about reach and making sure that the game of hockey reached kids who don’t have access to the same activities, opportunities and resources as some,” said Rob Baer, Senior Director of Community Relations and Hockey Development for the Flyers. “One way of doing that is meeting kids where they are, and in this case, meeting them at summer camp.”
This initiative underscores YGBW’s broader mission to provide accessible, inclusive youth programming across Chester County. With the help of community partners like the Flyers and Comcast Spectacor, the YMCA continues to expand its impact—bringing new experiences, sports, and opportunities to children and families throughout the region.
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