For many children, golf is often seen as a sport that is unattainable to them. Whether it’s cost, finding a way to get to a course, or even the perception of the sport not being inclusive. First Tee – British Columbia (First Tee – BC) aims to break down those barriers and make golf more accessible for children of all backgrounds.
Since launching in 2021, First Tee programming has been delivered to over 33,000 youth across the province at nearly 70 locations including golf courses, schools, and community centers, with a coaching staff of over 55 coaches.
The goal is to introduce as many children as possible to golf, particularly those who might not otherwise have the chance, and to offer them empowering and positive experiences through sport.
A key contributor of the program’s reach and success is establishing meaningful partnerships with community and youth organizations.
First Tee – BC has partnered with nearly 20 community centres across the province. Additionally, youth organizations including Big Brothers BC, KidsPlay Foundation, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), and Extreme Outreach Society have come onboard.
Through these valuable community partnerships, First Tee – BC has already introduced over 4,000 children to golf through affordable programming offered in-house or through field trips and events at nearby partnered golf courses.
The connections being built in these communities are bigger than golf.
First Tee blends fundamental golf skills with life lessons. While children learn how to swing the club and about distance control, they also continue to develop skills like goal setting, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Perry Monych, First Tee – BC coach, encapsulates the personal impact this program can make.
“The most rewarding part is seeing kids, who might not have initially been interested in golf, return week after week with enthusiasm and willingness to take on more challenges,” said Monych. “The life skills they continue to develop through the program are invaluable and often more impactful than the golf skills themselves.”
One impactful way First Tee – BC strives to expose more youth to the sport is through try golf events.
These events are offered at no cost to community partners and participants and provide all the necessary equipment. It is an opportunity to introduce golf to children in a no-pressure, fun and inclusive environment.
In August, First Tee program location Highland Pacific Golf in Victoria, BC, hosted a try golf event for over 20 youth from the Extreme Outreach Society, an organization striving to break the cycle of addiction, poverty and homelessness.
Scott Stefani, program manager, First Tee – BC speaks to the importance of connections with community organizations.
“Community partnership is such a valuable resource, helping us to provide disadvantaged children and youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Stefani. “We are so grateful for community partners like the Extreme Outreach Society.”
The goal is for children to associate a positive experience with golf. Hopefully they make new friends, have fun with their coaches, learn more about the sport and discover more about themselves.
The next step would be to offer registered programming opportunities at a nearby golf course to children who are eager to stay connected to the game.
Through a supportive network of generous donors, First Tee – BC can provide no-cost events and programming and offer financial assistance opportunities to families in need. To contribute and help First Tee – BC continue to make a meaningful impact, please visit https://firstteebc.ca/giving/.