Grassroots hockey takes root in Kingston
Last month the Women of Colour Hockey Collective (WCHC) staged a three‑day hockey clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, inviting roughly 150 local youngsters to try the sport for the first time. The event marked the collective’s inaugural international outreach, blending on‑ice drills with community storytelling.
Organizers emphasized that the clinic was more than a skills session; it was a deliberate effort to broaden access for women and girls of colour in a region where hockey has traditionally been scarce. Backing from the Professional Women’s Hockey League added credibility and resources, while the collective’s Caribbean heritage provided a cultural bridge for participants.
A personal connection fuels the mission
Saroya Tinker, co‑founder of WCHC, described the experience as deeply emotional, noting that the clinic allowed her to give back to the roots of her ancestry. “Seeing those kids pick up a stick and light up reminded me why we started this work,” she said, underscoring the personal stakes that drive the initiative.
Canadian national team defender Sophie Jaques, who attended the clinic, spoke about the power of representation. “When young players see someone who looks like them on the ice, it changes the narrative,” she explained, highlighting how visibility can inspire future talent.
Equipment left for the future
Beyond the drills, WCHC left behind 75 hockey sticks, goalie gear, balls and branded T‑shirts for the participants to continue practicing. The donation, coordinated with Swift Hockey, a Canadian firm specializing in affordable equipment, aims to sustain momentum long after the coaches have departed.
Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey and a former minor‑league player who also represented Jamaica’s national ice‑hockey team, stressed that accessibility is the cornerstone of sport development. “My own journey showed me how a simple piece of equipment can open doors,” he said, reinforcing the clinic’s grassroots philosophy.