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

The simple matter of access to hockey has always been a barrier for young people from the BIPOC community. The Hockey Diversity Alliance is launching its grassroots 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 between six and 15 years old who aren’t registered in organized leagues. The program starts in Toronto and will run until June 30.

“We know from experience that kids of color are often unable to play hockey because of access. Through HDA Ball Hockey Skills, we’re removing barriers by bringing hockey to kids in their own neighborhoods so kids from every kind of background and every circumstance feel welcome in the sport we love,” said Akim Aliu, Chair of the HDA, in a release Friday.

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 those neighborhoods can be found here.

In the fall, the HDA will expand the Ball Hockey Skills program to an Ice Hockey Skills program. Participation in both programs is free of charge, with equipment provided by Canadian Tire and CCM.

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