The Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization aiming to eradicate systematic racism and intolerance in hockey, has launched a grassroots program in Toronto for children who want to play ball hockey.

This free pilot program is set across five communities in Toronto with a high proportion of BIPOC residents. The aim is to introduce hockey to children that are not a part of an organized hockey league and are traditionally underrepresented or lack access to the sport. 

According to a 2019 report by Scotiabank and FlipGive, 57 percent of hockey parents spent more than $5,000 per year on their child in hockey. Sixty-seven percent of families take fewer vacations, while 63 percent find savings on other household budget items like groceries to help fund their child in hockey. 

Akim Aliu, the Chair of the HDA, noted the unequal access children of colour have to hockey. In a press release, he said, “Through HDA Ball Hockey Skills, we’re removing barriers by bringing hockey to kids in their own neighbourhoods so kids from every kind of background and every circumstance feel welcome in the sport we love.”

In Toronto, the program runs until June 30, but the organization plans to expand by offering an ice hockey skills program this fall. The program partnered with the City of Toronto to bring this idea to life. “The City of Toronto encourages such programs which aim to make hockey more inclusive and accessible for all,” Deputy Mayor of Toronto Michael Thompson said. 

HDA is planning to bring this program to other communities and cities.