As part of its continued efforts to make sports more inclusive and expand opportunities for young athletes, AEG’s LA Kings hosted its annual LA Kings Girls Camp. The initiative gave young female hockey players access to high-level coaching, mentorship and development experiences aimed at nurturing the next generation of players and leaders.

The five-day camp, held July 27–31 at Toyota Sports Performance Center, brought together girls ages 5 to 12 for a program centered on hockey skills, athletic development, confidence and personal growth. The coaching lineup featured LA Kings Community & Hockey Development Specialist Blake Bolden, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) players Marah Wagner and Dominique Petrie, PWHL Las Vegas General Manager Domi DiDia, as well as LA Kings alumni Jordan Nolan and Daryl Evans. The program is part of the organization’s larger effort to broaden access to hockey and create more welcoming opportunities for girls and young women.

Participants took part in daily on-ice training, dryland workouts, classroom activities and personalized skill sessions. Alongside developing their hockey abilities, campers explored important qualities such as teamwork, resilience, leadership and setting goals. The camp emphasized that the lessons learned through sport can also support personal development away from the rink.

Mentorship was a major component of the experience, with campers interacting directly with PWHL players and executives. Conversations and activities gave participants an inside look at the many career possibilities available to women in hockey, ranging from playing and coaching to leadership and business roles. Meeting women who have built careers throughout the sport offered campers real-world examples of the opportunities they can pursue.

LA Kings alumni also shared their experiences with the young athletes, offering encouragement and perspectives on dedication, perseverance and continued growth. Their involvement provided campers with additional role models while helping them understand the value of commitment and learning throughout their sporting journeys.

The camp also focused on creating a positive and welcoming community. Beyond developing hockey skills, participants had opportunities to form friendships, boost their confidence and strengthen their connection to the sport. By bringing together training, education, mentorship and representation, the program aims to reduce barriers to participation and inspire more girls to envision themselves as part of hockey’s future.

The LA Kings Girls Camp is one of several initiatives supporting the organization’s broader goal of growing participation and making hockey more accessible to young people. Through programs that combine athletic development with mentorship and leadership opportunities, the LA Kings continue to use sport as a platform for building confidence, encouraging ambition and helping young girls succeed both on and off the ice.

Earlier this year, we unveiled a new collaboration between Scotts and Every Kid Sports aimed at increasing access to natural green spaces. Although the partnership is still in its early phases, we are already seeing its positive effects in communities across Phoenix, Columbus, and Philadelphia.

What this means for families: “This is my daughter’s first year cheering for football, and she loves it. Without this program, I’m not sure how I would have made her dreams come true. She’s thrilled to try a new sport and aspires to be a doctor one day.” – Tamara, mom

“Both Marc’s dad and I lost our jobs last April. This incredible program has provided us with the opportunity to receive a grant. My son is truly thankful, and this has kept him focused on something he loves, helping him grow. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity!” – Jessica, mom
“My 5-year-old has been watching football since he was 3 and always wanted to play. Thanks to Every Kid Sports, he was able to play this year with half of his registration fee covered! We are so thankful! He’s excited to have fun and develop his athletic skills.” – Azj, mom

Fall 2024 by the numbers: A total of 408 children from families with limited incomes were able to participate in grass sports across Phoenix, Columbus, and Philadelphia. Supported sports included football, cheerleading, soccer, baseball, softball, track & field, and flag football. We look forward to connecting even more kids to sports as the spring 2025 season begins.

This partnership truly reflects our commitment to creating more good in our communities. The collaboration between Every Kid Sports and Scotts has made a strong start in getting more kids outdoors and enjoying natural green spaces.