WSMHA puts KIDS FIRST, News (Whitchurch Stouffville Minor Hockey Association)

It's back to school and back to hockey season in Stouffville. 

The WSMHA is committed to bringing the game of hockey to every child our community who wants to be part of our great Canadian past-time.   This season, the WSMHA has launched the KIDS FIRST FUND to provide opportunities to kids who might otherwise not be able to participate in our hockey association.

Ideally, kids join into the Initiation Programme, which is especially designed for our youngest members to learn the basics of hockey and improve budding skating skills, but we have newcomers join in even at older age levels. It is amazing to watch the transformation as new players start tentatively to step on the ice, to tenaciously pursuing the puck only a few weeks later. Fuelled by fun and desire, the kids can't help building confidence, skills and friendship through their early hockey experiences.

So what does it take to step into this sub-culture of puck-loving people? Not much, actually! As a newcomer to the game and to the rink, what you most need is a desire to participate. Yes, of course, there are some practical issues... Like you need to: 

• sign-up
• equipment, (it's not nearly as complicated as you might think at first!)
•  'be there' to get going, learn the skills, make friends on the team

Before you know it, you're playing hockey.

As for cost, registration for 2011-2012 is $550, which works out to about $10 per time on the ice to cover the full season. Equipment, which generally lasts 2+ years, can be acquired second-hand at reasonable prices and can be traded-in the following season when your child out-grows the equipment. It may seem like a lot, but it is a worthy and healthful sport which you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Financial assistance for qualified candidates is also available through the WSMHA's Kids First Fund and Canadian Tire's Jump Start program.  For more information contact us at [email protected] . If you would like to contribute to the Kids First Fund, or make an application for funding,please contact us at [email protected]