HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Sunday, Dec. 8, the community will come together at Kaimuki High School for a special event that promises to spark interest in baseball and softball for Hawaiʻi’s youth.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, in collaboration with the local clothing brand Barefoot League, will host a free sports clinic designed to teach keiki (children) fundamental skills in both baseball and softball.
This is the third such clinic hosted by Raising Cane’s and Barefoot League this year, following successful events for football and soccer.
The free clinics are part of the companies’ ongoing efforts to give back to the community and provide access to high-quality sports education for keiki of all skill levels.
Ali Urbick, the marketing leader for Raising Cane’s in Hawaii, emphasized that the clinic isn’t just about sports. It’s about inspiring keiki to develop an active lifestyle, work as a team and have fun.
“Youth sports are such a fun, inspirational, and educational part of our local communities and help kids develop an active lifestyle,” Urbick said. “We’re excited to expand our sports clinics with baseball and softball, which are both great ways for kids to stay active and learn teamwork.”
Open to all skill levels
This clinic is designed to accommodate keiki of all abilities, from first-time players to those with more experience.
Urbick stresses that every keiki will be welcomed and given the tools to grow.
“Whether this is their first time picking up a bat or they’ve been playing for years, we want all kids to feel included,” Urbick explained. “It’s not just about teaching them the skills they need to play, but about making sure they have fun and feel supported, regardless of their skill level.”
The clinic will be conducted by a team of current and former collegiate and professional players who will guide the keiki through various drills focused on hand-eye coordination, balance, throwing accuracy, catching fly balls and running the bases.
The clinic will be divided into two groups: one for baseball and one for softball. This division ensures that keiki can receive specialized instruction based on their interests and abilities.
Each participant will benefit from personalized instruction with a coach-to-player ratio that allows for plenty of one-on-one time.
Urbick noted, “We really want this to be a high-quality clinic. We’re not just throwing a bunch of kids together; we’re investing in the community by offering kids a real opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a focused and supportive environment.”
A commitment to community
Raising Cane’s and Barefoot League’s commitment to supporting local communities goes beyond just providing free clinics.
At this Sunday’s event, the companies will present a $2,000 check to Kaimuki High School’s athletic department as a thank-you for hosting the clinic.
This donation will help fund student athletes’ academic and athletic pursuits, a gesture that reinforces Raising Cane’s long-standing dedication to Hawaiʻi’s youth.
“Giving back to the community is at the core of what we do,” Urbick said. “We’re proud to partner with Barefoot League and Kaimuki High School to make this clinic possible and to support the next generation of student-athletes in our community.”
In addition to the clinic, Raising Cane’s will provide each participant with goodies; and Barefoot League will hand out a commemorative t-shirt to all keiki attending.
These mementos will serve as a reminder of the fun and educational experience; and hopefully, inspire the keiki to continue pursuing sports.
Expanding the clinic series
While this is the first baseball and softball clinic, Urbick hints that more events are in the works for 2024.
“Our goal is to hold 3-4 sports clinics per year, each focused on different sports,” Urbick shared. “This year we’ve done football and soccer, and we’re looking forward to the baseball and softball clinic now. Next up, we’ll likely have a football clinic in March, and we’re already planning future events to continue to inspire and engage with keiki.”
These clinics have become an integral part of Raising Cane’s outreach in Hawaiʻi, helping keiki stay active, learn important life skills and have a blast doing it.
Urbick is optimistic about the future of these events.
“We know that youth sports provide kids with not just athletic skills but life skills, too, things like teamwork, leadership and perseverance,” he said. “We’re honored to be able to help kids in Hawaii grow both on and off the field.”
Register now for the clinic
Parents who are interested in registering their keiki for the clinic should click here. Spots are limited with 200 openings for each sport (baseball and softball); so early registration is recommended.
Each session promises a rich learning experience with coaching that focuses on the fundamentals of the game while keeping things lighthearted and fun.
Whether your keiki is just starting out or looking to improve their skills, Raising Cane’s and Barefoot League’s free clinic is a great opportunity to get involved in baseball or softball and be part of a community-focused event.
“We want to make sure this clinic is accessible to everyone,” Urbick said. “We know that sports can sometimes be expensive, but this is completely free. It’s about giving back and ensuring every keiki has the opportunity to learn and grow.”
As the sun sets on Kaimuki High School this Sunday, the sounds of bat meeting ball and cheers of excited keiki will fill the air will be a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to support its youngest members.
Whether your keiki is a seasoned athlete or a first-time player, this clinic offers a unique chance to build new skills, make new friends and be inspired by some of the best in the game.
Raising Cane’s and Barefoot League’s commitment to Hawaiʻi’s youth is clear, and this clinic is just one example of how they continue to make a difference.
With more events like this planned for the future, the impact of these organizations on Hawaiʻi’s sports community is set to grow even further.
Clinic details
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8.
Location: Kaimuki High School.
Time: 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sessions:
- Session 1: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Ages 6-9).
- Session 2: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Ages 10-13).
Cost: Free.
Registration: Click here.
The clinic is set to run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers two separate sessions: one for younger keiki (ages 6-9) from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a second for older keiki (ages 10-13) from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.