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NGB News U.S. Figure Skating & USA Hockey Fueling Local Growth & Connection: Community Development Grants in Action Hockey Season Is Back! Utilize USA Hockey's membership resources to grow the game at your rink p Earlier this season, U.S. Figure Skating awarded six $2,000 Community Development Grants to clubs, Learn to Skate USA programs, Aspire programs, and supporting organizations. For more than a decade, these grants have helped local programs attract, engage, and inspire new generations of skaters while strength- ening connections within their communi- ties. Read highlights of their impact below. The Chicago Youth Foundation expanded free, long-term skating access for underserved youth through 16-week programs supported by volunteer coaches and social-emotional learning resources. This season, the organization reached more than 1,400 youth and continues to provide a meaningful pathway into skating. The Snoqualmie Figure Skating Club focused on creating a stronger sense of belonging for boys in figure skating. Through a dedicated one-day clinic, 30 participants came together for train- ing, mentorship, and camaraderie, building friendships and confi- dence that encouraged continued participation in the sport. The Detroit Skating Club, in partnership with Grace Centers of Hope, provided trauma-informed Learn to Skate programming for children experiencing homelessness. Serving 20-30 youth each sea- son, the program creates a safe and supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop new skills, and experience joy on the ice. The 7 Rivers Figure Skating Club expanded access through a scholarship fund designed to reduce financial barriers for families. This year, scholarships sup- ported 10 skaters, helping more children begin or continue their skating journey. The Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society combined communi- ty engagement with scholarship support through a public skating event featur- ing exhibition skater Emmanuel (E-man) Savary. The event also promoted the Joshua Soto Memorial Learn to Skate Scholarship, increasing access for youth who might otherwise be unable to participate. Finally, Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena's Kids On Ice ® program continued to provide equitable skating opportunities for Washington, D.C., youth, reaching hundreds of participants through Learn to Skate, after-school, hockey, summer camp, and Aspire programming. Interested in applying for a Community Development Grant or helping expand its impact through charitable giving? Contact U.S. Figure Skating's Director of Community Engagement & Impact at ktaylorw@usfigureskating.org. p Following a historic triple-gold medal run during the 2026 Winter Olympics, USA Hockey is excited to welcome every- one back and introduce the next generation of hockey players to the ice this season. USA Hockey provides grow-the-game resources and board support to its member associations. Each season, registered asso- ciations can participate in growth initia- tives designed to help continue growing the game at all levels. USA Hockey's Try Hockey For Free National Dates for the season are October 3, 2026 and February 27, 2027. Local asso- ciations and rinks around the country can register to host on these national dates (and any date throughout the season) and are eligible for participant jerseys, supporting marketing materials and other resources. Try Hockey For Free events are a great way to introduce new players and their families to all the fun that hockey has to offer. Growing the game happens all season long for USA Hockey. Welcome Back Week takes place annually in September. This weeklong celebration reminds families that hockey season is here! Local associations join USA Hockey in welcom- ing their families back for another season. IIHF Girls Hockey Weekend happens annually in October. This international collaboration cel- ebrates female hockey and the booming number of girls and women playing. Hockey Week Across America will take place in February, and have daily themes to highlight all the amazing parts of hockey. To find more information on all growth resources as well as support for running a successful youth hockey association, visit USAHockey.com/ programservices or reach out to programservices@usahockey.org. J 24 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2026 USICERINKS.COM by Kadari Taylor-Watson, Director of Community Engagement & Impact, U.S. Figure Skating

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