What could your team do with extra fundraising dollars?
Hockey is one of the most beloved sports in North America, inspiring young kids to get active and participate in a national pastime. Unfortunately, hockey is also ranked as one of the most expensive sports to play, costing an average of $1,455 dollars per kid, and that doesn’t even include travel fees.
While overall participation in Hockey is gradually growing in Canada & the US, participation among children from lower income families is declining dramatically. Budget struggles, pricey equipment and the cost of registration are leaving behind a cohort of children who have the ability to play but not the cash to participate.
Hockeys rising cost drops enrollment numbers
According to a recent report, the two major barriers to participation in sport are enrollment fees (61%) and equipment costs (52%). Nine in 10 of those surveyed believe sports participation is becoming too expensive and a vast majority (82%) say they know a child who cannot participate in organized sport due to the hefty price tag.
FlipGive.com has been helping struggling players and teams for over 2 years with a fast and easy way to fundraise online. “This new Hockey Grant is an extension of our business’ commitment to supporting youth athletes,” says CEO, Mark Bachman of FlipGive. “With hockey ranked as one of the most expensive sports to play, this grant is will help provide much needed support for a group of under-resourced children”.
Sport has the ability to transform and develop youth beyond the game itself. “Hockey shaped who I am” says J-P Brun President & Co-Founder at HockeyShot.com “The team experience fostered the importance of building trust, responsibility and sportsmanship – important lessons I’ve carried into my career.” He added “It’s important to me that we broaden the exposure of this great sport, and these life lessons to those who might not otherwise have a chance to play”.
Get In The Game
Players and Teams in need of financial support can apply for the GET IN THE GAME Hockey Grant from August 15, 2016 to September 16, 2016 via the companies’ websites www.flipgive.com/hockeygrant and www.hockeyshot.com/hockeygrant. Applicants must reside in North American and be between the ages of 4-18years. Grant winners will be announced by September 30, 2016.
“We’re pleased to reinvest in communities across North America to help under-resourced youth play hockey” says Brun of HockeyShot.com. Bachman of FlipGive adds, "The cost of playing hockey continues to increase, which is worrisome for the growth of this great sport. Participating should be driven by ability to play, not pay and we’re thrilled that FlipGive and HockeyShot.com are helping get more hockey players into the game."