Southern Connecticut State University Set to Host Free Youth Clinic Promoting Female Athletics
Southern Connecticut State University officials announced plans to host a major youth event on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the university will welcome 200 local students for the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This free program offers young athletes in grades one through eight a chance to train with collegiate mentors at the James Moore Field House in New Haven.
Decades of Advocacy Create Foundation for Modern Female Athletics
The upcoming clinic serves as part of a broader movement that began in 1987, the national observance honors the legacy of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. She worked tirelessly to ensure equal treatment for women in sports before her untimely death, her efforts helped pave the way for Title IX advancements. At the local level, the university relies on the dedicated Carolyn D. Vanacore Fund to support these initiatives, this financial backing ensures the program remains free for all families. Vanacore established a reputation as a pioneer in physical education, her influence continues to drive the university's commitment to community outreach and gender equity in athletics.
University Officials Outline Schedule for February 21 Event
Organizers have released the specific timeline for the Saturday morning session, registration begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. inside the field house. The main instructional clinic runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., attendance is strictly limited to the first 200 participants to ensure safety and quality instruction. Connecticut Orthopaedics returns as the official sponsor for the 2026 edition, their financial contribution covers the cost of lunch and a commemorative T-shirt for every child in attendance. Families are advised to park in the Wintergreen garage adjacent to the athletic facilities.
Clinic Stations and Mentorship Opportunities
The event structure allows participants to rotate through various multi-sport stations, varsity student-athletes from the university will lead these drills to teach fundamental skills. The session concludes with a scheduled autograph opportunity, this allows young attendees to interact personally with collegiate players. Organizers require all participants to wear sneakers and athletic clothing, parents or guardians must remain on the premises for the duration of the clinic.
Local Youth Gain Access to Collegiate Role Models
This initiative addresses a critical need in youth development, studies show girls often abandon organized sports at twice the rate of boys by the age of 14. Exposure to successful college athletes helps combat this trend by providing tangible examples of success, the event fosters long-term interest in physical fitness. The university expects the program to strengthen ties with New Haven residents, it positions the athletic department as a central hub for youth engagement in the region.
Administrators encourage interested families to secure their spots early once registration opens, the annual event typically reaches capacity quickly due to high demand.
