From Grassroots to Glory: A Pathway for Ensuring the success of Women's Hockey in Canada
0
14
It may be summer, but hockey planning is already well underway for players across the country for the upcoming season. As a coach and board member, this is a great time of year to attend courses, catch up on reading, and get a general sense of how the sport and its players are evolving. Creating a successful hockey experience for players in any association requires a comprehensive strategy that caters to all ages and skill levels. It's crucial not to focus solely on one age group or skill level. Recently, I devised a model that explores three main objectives: increasing enrollment, retaining female players in the sport longer, and preparing elite players for opportunities beyond minor hockey, such as college hockey and the PWHL. This model also addresses the specific needs of competitive players versus recreational athletes.
As I was beginning preparation for the upcoming season, I came across an article in the National Post written by Gary Mason, and a pod cast by the Morning Brew Daily staring WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert that served as a key inspiration for this article.
https://www.mbdailyshow.com/how-wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-is-seizing-soaring-momentum/
Insights from the sport and hockey landscapes…
Gary Mason’s writing for the National Post almost ready to wave the white flag for hockey in Canada, while Engelbert celebrated the growth in women's sports.
So what does this mean for a women's hockey program in Canada?
The growth of women's hockey associations is at a critical juncture. It's a good time to reflect on the errors that have led to a decline in hockey in Canada and to ensure the successful tactics uncovered by the WNBA are prioritized for female hockey associations to maintain success and growth.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
To grow and prosper while making the hockey experience exceptional for young athletes, associations must address the challenges and opportunities highlighted in recent discussions on youth sports participation. According to Gary Mason, declining participation in minor hockey in Canada is largely due to high costs and negative publicity. Mason shares personal insights, noting the financial burden his family faced as his son pursued an elite hockey career, totaling over $130,000. This underscores the sport's significant financial demands. Additionally, Mason highlights a 22% drop in youth hockey participation over 13 years, attributing this decline to prohibitive costs and the rising popularity of more affordable and appealing alternatives like soccer, which offers a "cool factor" and a lower risk of serious injuries.
Furthermore, Mason points out that hockey's image has been tarnished by reports of hazing and sexual misconduct, deterring parents from enrolling their children. The global nature of the NHL also diminishes the chances of Canadian kids reaching the top levels of the sport, making hockey seem even less attainable. Mason concludes by questioning whether anyone cares about the sport's decline, implying that without concerted efforts, hockey's popularity will continue to wane.
In contrast, Cathy Engelbert’s insights on growing enrollment for girls in sports, particularly hockey, offer valuable lessons. Engelbert suggests that creating recognizable players and fostering rivalries can build excitement and engagement. Effective marketing is crucial; investing in proper marketing strategies and leveraging social media to highlight high-level play and player stories can elevate the sport's profile. To keep girls in the sport longer, providing role models who are active in their communities and promoting off-season opportunities through corporate partnerships and endorsements can inspire continued participation. Emphasizing the sport's benefits, such as leadership skills and future professional opportunities, will also help retain players and support their progression into college and beyond.
Key Themes for Women's Hockey Associations
Considering the challenges and opportunities in minor hockey noted by Gary Mason and WNBA success share by Cathy Engelbert, I see five key themes emerge for women's hockey associations to prioritize:
Financial Support and Subsidies
Actions: Introduce and expand financial aid programs to cover equipment, travel, and registration fees. Partner with businesses and sponsors to offer scholarships and sponsorships.
Benefits: Increased accessibility, enabling more children to participate regardless of financial situation. Broader talent pool by reducing financial barriers, allowing a diverse group of children to engage in hockey.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Actions: Establish community programs to provide free or low-cost access to hockey training and facilities. Create more local and regional leagues to minimize travel expenses.
Benefits: Community building by fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Cost reduction through local programs, making hockey more affordable.
Enhance Safety and Inclusivity
Actions: Implement stricter policies and educational programs to combat hazing and misconduct. Promote inclusivity by highlighting success stories from diverse backgrounds, and those outside of the arena.
Benefits: Safe environment ensuring a secure and supportive setting for children, encouraging more parents to enroll their kids. Diverse participation enriching the hockey community.
Leverage Technology and Social Media
Actions: Use social media platforms to increase the visibility and appeal of hockey through engaging content. Leverage online resources and virtual training programs for cost-effective, high-quality coaching.
Benefits: Increased engagement attracting young players with appealing and relatable content. Cost-effective training making high-level coaching accessible to a wider audience through online resources.
Collaboration with Schools and Organizations
Actions: Partner with schools to integrate hockey into physical education programs. Work with youth organizations to promote hockey as a fun, healthy, and safe activity.
Benefits: Wider reach introducing hockey to a larger number of children, increasing participation rates. Encouraging physical activity and healthy living among young people.
By addressing these key themes, woman's hockey associations can create a thriving environment for young athletes and ensure the sport's growth and sustainability.
Last minute of play…
In the face of declining youth hockey participation and the challenges outlined by Gary Mason, the future of hockey hinges on adopting a multi-faceted strategy that embraces financial support, community engagement, safety, inclusivity, technology, and collaboration. By learning from the successes shared by Cathy Engelbert from the WNBA and implementing these key themes, we can create an environment where young athletes thrive, the sport's image is revitalized, and hockey becomes accessible and appealing to a broader, more diverse audience.
The growth and sustainability of women's hockey associations depend on proactive efforts to address financial barriers, leverage marketing and community engagement, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment. By doing so, we not only preserve the rich tradition of hockey in Canada but also pave the way for future generations of players to reach their full potential, both on and off the ice. It’s time to take bold steps and ensure that hockey remains a beloved and integral part of our sports culture for years to come. The passion and dedication we invest today will shape the legacy of hockey tomorrow. Let's seize this moment to make a lasting impact.
Related Posts
