Philadelphia Flyers Introduce Youth Hockey to Almost 200 Youth at Coatesville YMCA

Summer campers participated in hands-on drills led by former Flyers player and met team mascot Gritty

(COATESVILLE, PA) – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) and the Philadelphia Flyers came together on Tuesday, June 29, 2025 to host a high-energy, hockey-focused youth engagement event at the Coatesville YMCA. Almost 200 summer campers, ages 6 to 14, rotated through interactive skills stations led by Flyers staff and former Flyers player Riley Cote. YGBW received Flyers-branded equipment and a surprise mid-session visit from team mascot Gritty, creating a memorable afternoon of learning, play and excitement.

The event introduced YMCA summer campers to the fundamentals of hockey in a supportive and fun environment for learning. It reflects YGBW and Flyers’ ongoing commitment to growing the game of hockey by broadening access to recreational opportunities and nurturing youth development through play, teamwork and physical activity. As part of the Flyers’ visit and commitment to youth engagement, they donated gear, including sticks, hockey balls and pinnies, to YGBW to grow the game and deepen relationships with local youth.

“We believe every child deserves an opportunity to explore new passions and build confidence through play,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “Partners, like those from the Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast Spectacor, allow us to bring those opportunities to life for children of any and every background in our care.”

“Today was all about reach and making sure that the game of hockey reached kids who don’t have access to the same activities, opportunities and resources as some,” said Rob Baer, Senior Director of Community Relations and Hockey Development for the Philadelphia Flyers. “One way of doing that is meeting kids where they are, and in this case, meeting them at summer camp.”

This event is one example of YGBW’s broader commitment to accessible, inclusive youth programming across Chester County. With support from like-minded organizations, like the Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast Spectacor, YGBW continues to expand its reach and deliver meaningful, mission-driven experiences for children and families across the region.

To learn more about what the YMCA of Greater Brandywine has to offer, please visit https://ymcagbw.org/