The program, a community outreach initiative being led by Quinnipiac athletics, is designed to foster youth player development and encourage the expansion of youth sports in the Greater New Haven region.

The program has three primary areas of focus: Quinnipiac student-athletes in service to youth to encourage and inspire their interest and growth in athletics; providing education and development to youth sport coaches through programming with Quinnipiac coaches; and access and involvement of local youth and their families in Quinnipiac sporting events.

“We are thrilled to be launching this initiative in collaboration with our sister towns,” said Casey Stark, assistant athletic director of academic support. “Over the years, Quinnipiac Athletics has fostered many fantastic partnerships with local schools, sports programs and community organizations to connect our Bobcat student athletes with the community. We are excited to take that momentum and build on it with the goal of educating and supporting youth coaches while inspiring our local children to find sports they love. Our Bobcat student-athletes are excited to get to work connecting with youth and building the next generation of Bobcats.”

On hand for Sunday’s announcement were Quinnipiac President Judy Olian and Bobcats athletic director Greg Amodio, vice president of strategy and community relations Bethany Zemba, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, North Haven First Selectman Mike Freda, Captain William Onofrio from the Hamden Police Department, Chief Jeffrey Naples from the Hamden Fire Department,  local coaches and Building Bobcat program participants.

“Being physically fit and involved in sports can positively affect youth development,” said Zemba. “We are excited that the Building Bobcats program can play an important role in encouraging local youth to engage in an active lifestyle, while also having fun and learning to work as a team."

Click here for more details on the Building Bobcats program.