PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The FIFA Women’s World Cup just days is a great reminder that women can hang tough, just as much as men, on any playing field.
That was one of the aims of Monday’s Philadelphia Sports Girls Initiative at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillie Phanatic, Gritty and the Flyers Ice Team, Swoop and the Eagles cheer team, Franklin, Phang and Wingston welcomed 175 girls, ages 8 to 12, to the event.
Monica Clark, the coordinator of youth baseball and softball development for the Phillies, says sometimes people think girls shouldn’t or can’t play certain sports.
“I think this initiative is going to show the complete opposite,” Clark said.
Six sports were showcased: basketball, football, hockey, baseball, soccer and lacrosse.
“Girls have every right to be on the same playing fields as boys, and that they can compete with them.”
Chester Charter Scholars Academy sixth grader Kylie, who was most excited to shoot hoops, embodied that energy. “Girls can do everything that guys can do,” she said.
Michelle Freeman, a CCSA chaperone, said the girls have been excited.
“They've been planning since last week,” Freeman said. “Some of them coordinated outfits together to match. And they're just really excited to learn about all the different sports.”
The girls brought their “A” game to the ballpark, where they passed footballs, dribbled basketballs, and snapped hockey pucks for a day of fun and skill-building.
“The most important thing is that girls are involved in sports at a young age and have an outlet to be able to have a good way to not just be active, but also have the opportunity to be involved,” Clark said.
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Mitch Jones, who plays lacrosse for the Philadelphia Wings, was on hand to lend his expertise to these young budding sports stars.
“It's awesome. I have a niece who I introduced to the game as well, and I've gotten other girls in the game,” Jones explained.
“I love watching them playing and competing and learning new skills.”
Brook, 9, a student at Fitzpatrick Elementary School, said she is just happy to be out with her friends.
“We get to hang out with these cool mascots, like Wingston, Gritty and the others — and I just like that it's a beautiful day out today.”