2010 promises to continue the growth of FCRHL. With league membership on the rise we are well on our way to bigger and better things. Roller hockey is an exciting sport and provides the kids with not only great exercise but a fast paced team sport. The sport requires them to be in shape, make decisions on the rink and learn to work as a team. With that in mind, we at FCRHL see our league as being ready to grow because there is an untapped demand for this sport in the county and we need to go grab it. Within the next 3 years, our vision is based on achieving the following goals:
- Expand league membership to over 400 youth league players
- Install a roof over the rink with lights and other services to enable more rink time
- Expand hockey and skating skills training and player development
- Revitalize the travel program and travel league play/tournaments at the rink
- Operate an adult hockey league with a membership goal of 75 players
- Offer other skating, sports and exercise programs for adults and children
Reaching these goals requires many integrated parts working together. These parts need to be executed not by a select few but by many volunteers. Specifically, success will require:
- Money: Costs for the roof and facilities is expected to be about $500,000
- People: Volunteers with a wide range of skills are needed to serve in many positions
- Players: Membership increases are needed especially at younger age levels
- Leadership and Commitment: Volunteers who will drive this vision to reality
In Northem Virginia, there are several rinks that offer hockey programs and they do a fine job. Our vision for taking FCRHL to the next level is to enable our players and parents to have that same and better experience here in Fauquier County. Many of us work in Northern Virginia and spend long hours commuting. The average commute time is now hitting 90 min each way, which means many of us spend over 780 hours a year sitting in traffic. We don’t need more of that on the weekend or in the week. We need time with friends and families. A bigger FCRHL can help.
So now is the time to move out on the future FCRHL. What can you do to help?
- Get kids to sign up for hockey.
- Help sell some board ads and bricks and blocks
- Volunteer to coach, be a team mom, keep the scorebook or referee
- Volunteer to be on committees to be formed around the rink build-out and programs
- Bring new kids to the rink to skate, watch a game or participate in a practice
FCRHL has a great team of kids, parents, friends and volunteers. Since our founding in 1999 by Joe Tulowitski, we have remained committed to running and building this league for the kids. The work we do today to expand our league will go a long way in shaping the lives of these kids. With your help, leadership and commitment to getting us to the next level will be a rewarding experience and like everything at the rink, fast paced and exciting.
Thank you again and we will see you at the rink