The Blues hope a new after-school program helps hockey reach more diverse communities
The St. Louis Blues are hoping to address key goals with a new youth initiative: increasing diversity and access to the sport.
About 20 kids from throughout the city are part of the first class in the team's North City Blues program. The partnership among the Blues, KIPP Schools and Friendly Temple gives children ages 4 to 10 the chance to learn the game, including how to skate, over 12 weeks.
The program is also an opportunity to learn life skills, said Blues Community Youth Hockey Advisor Jamal Mayers.
"Selflessness, dedication, hard work, perseverance — those are the qualities I want in all my kids. And I think that hockey is a great vehicle to teach kids those life lessons and hopefully have a little fun along the way."
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/sports/2022-03-25/the-blues-hope-a-new-after-school-program-helps-hockey-reach-more-diverse-communities