Bobcat Youth Days

If you have children who participate in youth sports, you know how hectic life is during a particular season. Even though days may seem never-ending, dinner is served at 9 p.m. most nights and laundry piles are always growing, youth sports are a powerful tool – bringing communities together and building confidence in young athletes.

Frostburg State University believes in fostering community outreach and confidence through youth sports by hosting a range of Bobcat Youth Days each year.

“I love the Bobcat Youth Day Series - it allows local youth and their families to come see what Frostburg State is all about,” said Nicole Higgins M’20, assistant athletic director for engagement at FSU. “These events aren’t just about athletics either. While it’s a focus, it’s about getting young people to campus.”

This year, FSU hosted seven events for area youth ranging in age, gender and activity.

“Our first official event was Youth Volleyball Day,” said Higgins. “We hosted youth volleyball players to watch our women’s volleyball program compete against West Virginia State. Participants also had the opportunity to serve a volleyball and win a prize.” FSU coaches and team members were available for pictures and autographs after the matches.

Another Bobcat Youth Day event included FSU’s annual Girls in Sports Day. “This event inspires girls to play, be active and to realize their full power,” noted Higgins. Girls from both Allegany and Garrett Counties showed up to participate.

According to Higgins, the goal of Girls in Sports Day is to introduce young girls to unfamiliar sports. “We started the day hosting staff from FSU’s Parks and Rec Department and then moved into field hockey. Neither Allegany nor Garrett Counties sponsor field hockey, so it was an exciting opportunity for us to showcase another new sport to our community members.”

Girls in Sports Day also included volleyball and a visit from members of the women’s soccer program who spoke to them about being a female student-athlete. Rounding out the annual event was the opportunity to watch FSU’s nationally ranked acrobatics and tumbling team compete.

The final event of the year, Youth Bobcat Day, showcased activities in men’s lacrosse, softball and baseball. “The Garrett County Youth Lacrosse Club came to campus and was able to get onto the field during halftime to help assist with a shooting clinic,” recalled Higgins. “Softball and baseball offered autograph sessions at the end of double-headers, and youth were able to run the bases between contests.”

Opportunity grants and local sponsorship make it possible for Frostburg to engage in community outreach efforts like Bobcat Youth Days and promote healthy lifestyles, teach confidence-building and life skills and foster inclusivity. Youth Days inspire the next generation of leaders, role models and future Bobcats.