1. WHO RUNS HOT SHOTS?
Hot Shots is a program of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. We started in 1996 as a stand-alone nonprofit. In 2021, after 25 years of running Hot Shots and at the age of 71, I needed a succession plan. The Boys & Girls Club was a perfect new home as we share the same mission: Empowering young people. My name is John Wilpers. I founded Hot Shots because the only winter soccer options for girls in 1996 were extremely competitive and did not focus on developing skills and self-esteem or even having fun, never mind building a love of reading with storytimes and building parental bonds with 100% required parent participation. I am a 30-year veteran youth soccer coach and “soccer dad.” I run Hot Shots in my spare time and am assisted by volunteer high school varsity players and other high school and middle school young female volunteers (almost all former Hot Shots).
This is a picture of me after Hot Shots received “The Heights Award” from Boston University and the Red Sox in 2009. It was given in recognition of the work Hot Shots does towards advancing and developing women in sports.
2. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HOT SHOTS?
Pre-school (as young as 2 at the parent’s discretion) through seven-year-olds. Residents of all South Shore towns (NOT just Marshfield!). Girls do NOT need to be on a soccer team or even know how to play soccer. Hot Shots is both a non-threatening introduction to soccer and a skill-enhancement program for more advanced girls.
3. WHY IS THE COST $190?
For $190, girls get nine or 10 classes, a T-shirt, and a medal. The fee also covers gym fees, supplies, insurance, stipends, and our library of books for the girls to take home every Sunday. Compared to other youth sports programs, we are either on par or less expensive.
4. DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO COME TO ALL THE SESSIONS?
No. With no teams, you aren’t letting anyone down. We review everything each week.
5. ARE THERE REFUNDS FOR SNOW DAYS AND VACATIONS?
No. Because the fixed costs of the T-shirts, medals, administrative costs, and insurance coverage represent most of the $190 fee, it would make little sense to return a few dollars. We do offer refunds if you decide it’s not for you after one or two weeks.
6. WHAT SHOULD MY DAUGHTER BRING OR WEAR?
Soccer ball (size 2-3), water bottle, gym shoes, shorts, shirt.
7. DO PARENTS HAVE TO STAY?
Yes. Trust me, you’ll love it. There are two reasons for this: First, by staying, you help us make sure that each girl gets individual attention. We show you what to do and then you help your daughter understand. We usually have a dozen or more coaches available, but there is nothing like one-to-one instruction, especially from their mommy or daddy. Second, part of the Hot Shots mission is to provide special time for parent-daughter bonding, a time free of chores and distractions like television and computers. The time you spend with your daughter at Hot Shots is fun and makes memorable moments.
8. WHAT IS THE “READING IS A KICK” PROGRAM?
Through the sale of Hot Shots souvenirs, we’ve been able to donate over $20,000 worth of books to local elementary schools over the last 20 years.
9. I’VE HEARD SOMETHING ABOUT AN ART GALLERY?
All girls do a soccer drawing for the 4th Sunday. We vote by age group and session, and 4-6 of the top vote-getters are printed on the front of that session’s T-shirt. Every girl’s name is on the back front.
