My kindergartener was diagnosed with ADHD right around his third birthday. Eager to channel his energy, I started signing him up for sports. Sometime in Pre-K, he expressed a desire to play hockey. Last fall, he participated in street hockey through Montgomery Sports Association (MSA), which offers clinics for 5-12 year-olds. While he was supposed to be grouped with 5-7 year-olds, due to low enrollment, he ended up playing against 12 year-olds.
I contacted my cousin’s wife, whose kids played for a street hockey league that seemed really fun. It turned out her friend had started a league called Active Play DC, and they offer a division for 5-6 year-olds. They have weekday practices, Saturday games, an end-of-season tournament, and provide a stick and jersey with enrollment.
Initially apprehensive about signing up for an outdoor winter sport, I found that only one practice was hard to get through due to the cold (for me, not him—he’s the type of kid who resists wearing a jacket). Practices were held at Key Elementary School, and you are given the option of choosing Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday as your child’s weekly practice day. Games were played at The Field School, which boasts 3 courts with simultaneous games.
I was impressed with the league’s organization and communication. Practices are overseen by the league’s founder, Coach Seth, and General Manager, Coach Jon. Not only are they highly enthusiastic about the game, but they also skillfully maintain the attention of my ADHD 5-year-old during the often difficult hours of 6-7 pm. He loved playing under the lights and scrimmaging at the end of practice.
As kindergarten draws to a close and he’s now tried soccer, basketball, street hockey, ice skating, swimming, gymnastics, t-ball, and tennis, he still declares hockey as his favorite sport. I’ve been told I better start saving money.
Active Play DC website
Email: seth@activeplayllc.com
Mid-Atlantic Mom 
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