青年參與計畫有助於約克區的孩子茁壯成長
A hockey skills clinic and a summer employment program give kids confidence and teach important life lessons
NHLPA Goals and Dreams
For the past three winters, the York Regional Police Youth Engagement Unit has collaborated with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) to teach skating and hockey skills to elementary school students in York Region.
This year, Youth Engagement officers hosted Grade 5 and 6 students from Morning Glory Public School in Georgina for a weekly skate. Each student began the two-month program with a different baseline skillset as some had played competitive hockey while others had never skated.
For parts of each session the participants were sorted into two smaller groups to appropriately tailor the difficulty of practice drills to the needs of the students.
“It is so rewarding to see not just the way each student improved their skills from the beginning of the program to the end, but watching their confidence and determination grow each week is why we do it,” Inspector Mark Lau of Community Services said.
This program was made accessible by the NHLPA, who donated 24 full sets of brand-new hockey equipment to create an opportunity for kids who otherwise may have never been introduced to the game.
Learn more from YRP members and NHLPA Goals and Dreams Ambassador Mitch Marner:
Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) Olympics
From tug-of-war to barbecue lunches, the teenagers who attend the York Regional Police annual Youth in Policing Initiative get a unique chance to get started toward a career in policing while building meaningful connections in the community.
YIPI is a summer employment program designed to provide mentorship to youth aged 15 to 18 who have experienced barriers to success in their communities. While getting exposed to different areas of policing, the teenagers get a chance to build confidence and enhance workplace skills in a team environment.
In York, participants may assist with community events, administrative tasks and act as junior counsellors at the organization’s educational Community Safety Village.
In 2025, YRP hosted its third YIPI Olympics where the local cadre took on teens employed at various police services. Students participating in the program across Ontario descended upon the Community Safety Village in Stouffville to compete in athletic games, team-building activities and community mentorship exercises.
The cohort of 30 youths graduated on August 21, after hosting the games, completing a toastmasters course, managing a carnival for Community Living Central York residents, taking part in weekly visits to Clarico Place, a facility designed to support people with developmental disabilities, and assisting with summer camps and grounds maintenance.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey reflected on the growth of the program, which has expanded from eight students to 30 over the past four years.
“The Youth in Policing Program has come a long way,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the continued growth of this program as we provide even more young people with the opportunity to become leaders in their community.”
The Youth in Policing Initiative is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
