With big assist from Unionville Rec., more girls to get chance to hit the field
By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times
KENNETT — If they wanted to play field hockey, elementary and middle school girls from southern Chester County area would have had to sign up with Unionville Recreational Association (URA).
Now, thanks to the work of many, these young ladies will have two more options starting this fall as Kennett Area Park and Recreation Board (KAPRB) and Avon Grove Youth Sports will be launching the inaugural season of their Blue Demons and Wildcats field hockey programs.
This spring, KAPRB’s Recreation Coordinator, Claire Finfrock, said she was thrilled to receive calls from several Kennett moms interested in kick-starting a youth field hockey program. Susan Gaughn and Nadiene Ringler-Friedrich, both former college-level field hockey players, reached-out to Finfrock to offer their assistance in providing Kennett girls another fall sports option.
“It’s been great working with these women and supporting the youth of Kennett,” Finrock said. “It’s what KAPRB is all about.”
Coincidentally, south of Kennett, Nicole Morley and Alexia Lampo were on the very same mission for the girls of Avon Grove; both know how effective strong youth programs can be. Morley, a former Division I lacrosse and field hockey player also heads-up AG’s youth lacrosse program. Lampo, an Avon Grove High School (AGHS) graduate went onto play field hockey at Millersville University and is currently assistant coach at AGHS.
“We have definitely seen the need for a youth program,” Morely said. “Seeing it come to fruition and knowing how much the girls benefit from it is very rewarding. And, working with the other teams has been a lot of fun.”
Leslie Mariani, URA’s field hockey director, has been providing guidance to the Kennett & Avon Grove efforts.
“Team sports have so much to offer young girls; creating opportunities for more kids to play field hockey benefits all three communities,” Mariani said. “It’s exciting to see such enthusiasm for the sport.”
The guidance from Mariani was a key assist in getting the new programs running.
“URA’s Leslie Mariani is a top-notch coach and leader. Her support and in-depth knowledge of managing a league has been a tremendous help,” says Kennett’s Gaughn.
These new programs are well underway, and the excitement continues to build. Steering committees and volunteers are busy managing web pages, spirit wear, communications and the recruitment of coaches and players. The three teams are working together to leverage their buying power for uniforms, equipment needed, and scheduling games.
Youth field hockey will be offered to girls, grades 1-6. (URA’s program continues through 8th grade.) Each program will focus on developmental instruction, building self-confidence, competitive games and good sportsmanship; with a season that runs from early September through early November. For more information, to register your daughter and to get involved please visit:
For information click on the following Web sites:
Avon Grove Wildcats: www.avongrovefieldhockey.org
KAPRB / Blue Demons Sports: bluedemonssports.org
URA Sports: www.urasports.com
“Youth field hockey will be offered to girls, grades 1-6.”
Why in the world would this be limited to girls only?