On Tuesday, Jul. 29, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) welcomed the Philadelphia Flyers to its Coatesville branch for a special youth engagement event centered around hockey.
More than 150 summer campers participated in hands-on drills led by Flyers staff and alumni, leaving with new gear, fresh skills, and the unforgettable experience of meeting team mascot Gritty.
The event introduced campers to hockey through fun, age-appropriate programming developed in collaboration with the Flyers’ community team. It highlighted the shared mission of the YMCA and Flyers to grow the game of hockey by expanding access, encouraging play and teamwork, and promoting youth development through physical activity.
Campers rotated through interactive sessions based on age, gaining exposure to core hockey skills. As part of the visit, the Flyers donated gear to ensure all participants were fully equipped — both for the event and future play. Each camper received Flyers-branded sticks, hockey balls, and pinnies to keep.
Midway through the event, Gritty made a surprise entrance, cheering on campers and energizing the group with his signature antics, making the day even more memorable.
This collaboration between the Flyers and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine reflects an ongoing commitment to community engagement and creating accessible sports experiences for youth across the region.
Learn more at YGBW. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is an association of nine YMCAs and Program Centers serving Chester County and is a leading non-profit organization committed to building community.
