Women’s sports have been receiving national attention throughout the first half of 2024, whether it was Caitlin Clark at the University of Iowa and the beginning of her career in the WNBA, the inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), or Simone Biles’s recent win at the 2024 U.S. Classic, women’s athletics have finally taken the hearts of many. Women have come a long way since the days of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, but not all women get paid to play at an elite level, many athletes pay to play and often find ways to help our local communities while they’re at it.

These are athletes who remember changing in storage closets or referees’ rooms because they were the only girls on their local team or being told they weren’t good enough to play, simply because they were female. For them, this is a chance to show their communities that women belong on the ice, the baseball diamonds, the basketball courts, or anywhere they wish to be. This community is a rich blend of women of all ages, abilities, and skill levels but the most exciting part is the diversity of the community. Every player comes into the tournaments knowing that they are supporting a great cause, playing a sport they love, and will get to connect with old friends and new ones alike. These women are our parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and community members.

Adult women’s ice hockey has been a large draw for many causes and charities throughout New England. Philanthropy, diversity, and athletics are rarely bundled together in the business world, but these are tournaments where athletes pay to play and continue to collect donations and sponsorships for each cause. Tournaments often work with causes that are close to the hearts of players and the community, including but not limited to the Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism, Hockey Fights MS, and the Cross Check Cancer Tournament. These tournaments rely on local philanthropy efforts to raise money and support each cause.

If you get a chance to get out this summer, check out some of the local games and come support the women of the community. Know someone who wants to play? Call your local rink or Town Recreation department, they might have some information on who to contact or where a team/league is being formed; better yet, reach out to someone already in the community, there’s a great chance we’ll know or find a team. Looking to sponsor a team, tournament, or join in the good work? Reach out to the links below or a local team.