The Philadelphia Flyers are bringing a little hockey and a lot of orange-and-black energy to a handful of Greater Philadelphia YMCA summer camps this month, with alumni and Gritty set to headline free ball hockey clinics at four sites.
The first stop is Temple Ambler on Monday, July 27, with sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 580 Meetinghouse Rd. in Ambler. From there, the program moves to Northeast on Tuesday, July 28, also at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., at 11088 Knights Rd. in Philadelphia.
Spring Valley will host the next visit on Tuesday, August 11, with clinics at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. at 19 W. Linfield-Trappe Rd. in Royersford.
The final stop is Hillside Elementary in Mt. Laurel, where Flyers alumni and the team mascot will appear on Thursday, August 13, with sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 1370 Hainesport - Mount Laurel Rd.
At each site, the alumni will run free ball hockey clinics for campers, using equipment, drills, and games to introduce kids to the sport. Each participating camp will also receive a full set of ball hockey equipment to keep the action going throughout the season.
The Flyers are also handing out information on how to sign up for the Flyers Rookie Kids Club and Flyers Learn to Play program, along with a special ticket offer for a Flyers home game during the 2026-2027 season.
Gritty, who has been a fixture around the Delaware Valley since his 2018 debut, is scheduled to show up at each location and greet campers between clinic sessions. The team is also bringing inflatables, including a “shoot on goal” challenge.
“Getting kids into sports early is about so much more than the game itself,” said Bryan Ford, Association Sports Director at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “When a child picks up a stick, they’re building confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. We’re incredibly grateful to the Philadelphia Flyers for sharing their time, their alumni, and yes, even Gritty, to give our campers a first taste of a sport they might fall in love with,” Ford said in a press release.
Families of participating campers are encouraged to wear their Flyers gear. For more information about Greater Philadelphia YMCA summer camps and programs, visit philaymca.org or call 215-963-3700.
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