MISSION STATEMENT
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, East Side Youth Sports Foundation is dedicated to the growth of youth sports on the east side of metro Detroit. Through Grants and Scholarships, and Sports Programs, ESYSF is making sports available to all children and providing players important life lessons that will assist them during competition and beyond including good sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork, physical welfare and more. ESYSF is also using sports to bridge the gap between Detroit and surrounding communities, removing social, economic and racial barriers.
Grow Hockey
The East Side Youth Sports Foundation supports many initiatives to increase the number of children playing hockey on the eastside of metropolitan Detroit, and developing a life long passion for the sport.
“Minor sports in the community is fun and recreation for everyone, not just the elite. I think back to my days in minor hockey and those are my fondest memories, having fun.” -Bobby Orr
“That's the awesome part. Little girls now have a chance to look up and see women playing soccer, basketball, softball and now hockey -and know they can win a gold medal, too.”-Angela Ruggiero
Provide Youth Players Financial Support
East Side Youth Sports Foundation provides equipment and jerseys, as well as scholarships to assist low-income families withhockey costs. Over 500 sets of equipment have been provided to children ages 3-9 in the Learn to Play Hockey 8U program.“Growing up, if I hadn't had sports, I don't know where I'd be. God only knows what street corners I'd have been standing on and God only knows what I'd have been doing, but instead I played hockey and went to school and stayed out of trouble.” -Bobby Orr
Develop Life Skills Through Hockey
ESYSF provides players life lessons that will assist them on and off the ice including:
Loyalty, Dedication, Teamwork, Commitment, Determination, Communication, Listening Skills, Self-Confidence & Social Skills
Strategic Thinking
“Whether you're trying to learn in hockey or trying to learn in life, I've always tried to be observant and tried to learn more,tried to evolve, whether it's as a hockey player or as a person. With each year, I try to do that.” -Sidney Crosby
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” –Wayne Gretsky
Promote Physical Benefits
Hockey provides numerous physical benefits that allow players to develop an active and healthy lifestyle including: Coordination, Endurance, Agility and Balance. Plus, Cardiovascular Exercise, Upper and Lower Muscular Strength.