Published: 07/20/2026 - 8:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA — July 20, 2026 — The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is teaming up with the Philadelphia Flyers this summer to bring the Flyers Hooked on Hockey program to campers across the region. Led by Flyers Alumni and the Flyers Community Relations team, the program delivers the excitement of street hockey directly to elementary-aged campers through hands-on, interactive ball hockey clinics at four Y camp locations. And at every stop, campers will get a visit from a local icon: Gritty, the Flyers’ one-of-a-kind mascot.
Throughout the summer, selected camps will enjoy an on-site visit from Flyers Alumni, complete with drills, games, and all the energy of Flyers hockey. Each participating camp receives a full set of ball hockey equipment to keep the game going all season long. Campers will also receive information on how to register for the Flyers Rookie Kids Club and Flyers Learn to Play program, plus a special ticket offer for a Flyers home game during the 2026–2027 season.
The star attraction for many young campers, however, will be the seven-foot, googly-eyed guest of honor. Gritty — a beloved figure across the Delaware Valley since his 2018 debut — will appear at each location, greeting campers between clinic sessions and turning a morning of fun into an unforgettable event. The Flyers will also bring inflatables, including a “shoot on goal” challenge, to round out the fun.
“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.”
The clinics are open to campers at four Greater Philadelphia YMCA camp sites on the following dates:
Temple Ambler — Monday, July 27 (10 a.m. & 11 a.m.)
Address: 580 Meetinghouse Rd, Ambler, PA
Northeast — Tuesday, July 28 (10 a.m. & 11 a.m.)
Address: 11088 Knights Rd, Philadelphia, PA
Spring Valley — Tuesday, August 11 (12 p.m. & 1 p.m.)
Address: 19 W. Linfield-Trappe Rd, Royersford, PA
Hillside Elementary — Thursday, August 13 (10 a.m. & 11 a.m.)
Address: 1370 Hainesport – Mount Laurel Rd, Mt. Laurel, NJ
The Flyers Hooked on Hockey program brings the fundamentals of the game to campers across the Philadelphia tri-state area, reinforcing the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Families of participating campers are encouraged to wear their Flyers gear and cheer on the next generation of players.