USA Ball Hockey Goes Global
Dulag, Philippines – As part of USA Ball Hockey’s mission to expand the sport of ball hockey globally, we recently had the opportunity to support children and families in the Philippines through a food and clothing drive in partnership with the Dulag Speed Center. The event brought together children, teachers, and community members for a day centered around generosity, connection, an introduction to the sport of ball hockey, and, of course, plenty of smiles.
Rosette Sperry, one of the Dulag Speed Center project coordinators, told USABH that once the word traveled around town that USA Ball Hockey had arrived to support the festivities, attendance numbers grew to more than 500 participants.
Sperry told us, “The positive energy from the children was impossible to miss. Their excitement and enthusiasm served as a wonderful reminder of why growing the sport internationally is about more than simply putting a stick and ball in someone’s hands.”
She then shared this, heartfelt message of appreciation:
“On behalf of everyone at Dulag Speed Center, I would like to sincerely THANK YOU all for sponsoring the feeding of the children and families. The children were elated to receive their USA Ball Hockey shirts, and their smiles truly warmed our hearts.” She also expressed her gratitude toward everyone involved, including the teachers and volunteers who participated, “Your generosity and kindness have made a positive impact and we are deeply grateful for that.”
For USA Ball Hockey, the work in the Philippines has just begun. There are a few more festive days of food and giveaways planned in other towns throughout the course of the next few weeks, but those who live in the Philippines are eager to play hockey too. USA Ball Hockey, thanks to Knapper who has helped to deliver hundreds of sticks and hockey balls to the Philippines, will be hosting a 2-week developmental “Learn to Play” program for young players in January/February of 2027 as part of the USABH Grow the Game Day initiative. Those clinics will turn into league play in the Spring.
If the energy and enthusiasm displayed by these children are any indication, the future of ball hockey in the Philippines is something to be excited about!
