The Golden Bear Kids Club (GBKC) was recently established to give sports-loving youngsters an opportunity to become members of the WNE athletics family. Children of faculty, staff, alumni—as well as siblings and young friends of the University and its current student-athletes—are encouraged to join.
Official GBKC members receive a T-shirt, official membership card, access to events, a birthday card from “Spirit” (the Golden Bear himself), and special book book to collect autographs from Golden Bear student-athletes. Kids Club members will also be eligible for special contests and prizes throughout the academic year.
Members will also have the opportunity to participate in Meet-and-Greets with Western New England student-athletes and take part in monthly drawings for unique experiences throughout the year (including the chance to take the field with Golden Bear athletes for pre-game introductions and ceremonies). Each of the University's 19 sport programs will be offering prizes and special opportunities for GBKC members, including leading the Golden Bear football team on the field, an opportunity to attend practice and sit on the bench during a game with Golden Bear basketball programs, the chance to serve as a bat boy or girl, and be a Junior Assistant Coach for the Day for the lacrosse programs.
Golden Bear Kids Club members will have many opportunities to have special access to varsity athletes, coaches, and athletics staff, including an insider’s tour led by Golden Bear team captains.
Members also have access to an educational eNewsletter that enables fans to follow their favorite athletes, find out about club happenings, and learn more about varsity athletics. University coaching staff, student-athletes, sports medicine specialists and strength and conditioning experts will all serve as guest columnists.
The Golden Bear Kids Club is a joint project of the Western New England University Department of Athletics, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and the Sport Management Student Association. Registration forms will also be available in the Western New England University Athletics Office daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Annual membership is $25 for the first child and $20 for additional children.
For more information, contact Western New England Athletics at 413-782-1202 or jennifer.kolins@wne.edu.
