The sport of broomball has been enjoyed by many youths and adults over the past approximately 20 years in the community of Minto.
Based out of the Palmerston and District Community Centre, the Palmerston Junior Broomball League has grown in both skill levels and size since its creation.
Local teams have achieved huge successes at both local and national levels of play. The league belongs to the Central West Division, which operates under the Canadian Federation of Broomball.
Broomball is a recreational ice game played in a hockey rink. Tactics and plays are similar to those used in ice hockey and ball hockey. Players hit a small orange ball around the ice with a stick called a “broom” and wear special rubber-soled shoes instead of skates.
Broomball has grown into a popular sport on all levels. It is inexpensive to play, easy to learn and fun for everyone, officials say. Skills such as skating are not required and initial equipment costs are relatively inexpensive compared to other Sports.
Registration is being held during the Minto mass registration events at the arena in Harriston on Sept. 13 and the Clifford community hall on Sept. 14 – both from 7 to 8pm.
The organization is also offering two free “try it” days: Sept. 18 from 2 to 5pm and Sept. 25 from 12:30 to 5pm at the Palmerston arena for anyone wanting to try the sport before committing to a year of play.
The league welcomes youths between the ages of five and 19. Officials are also looking for players aged three to five and are hoping to create a team in that age bracket. All teams are determined by year of birth.
The league is also looking for coaches and referees. There will be clinics held in early October. All coaches must hold or be willing to obtain valid certification.
For information visit palmerstonjuniorbroomballshutterfly.com, email palmerstonjuniorbroomball@gmail.com or visit the league’s Facebook group.
Submitted by Tracy Gordon
