Thousands of children and hundreds of families enthusiastically participated in numerous Family Day events that unfolded across Calgary on Monday, February 16, 2026. The city buzzed with activity as residents celebrated the long weekend with sports and recreational gatherings.
Record-Breaking Soccer Tournament Unites Community
The Calgary Minor Soccer Association hosted the Deerfoot Inn Family Day Classic Tournament, marking the largest event in the organization's history. Leslie Macleod of the CMSA reported that the tournament featured 320 teams, including 70 traveling from out of town, with over 6,000 children participating in soccer matches throughout the weekend.
"We have 320 teams, 70 of those traveling from out of town, with more than 6,000 kids coming out to play soccer this weekend," Macleod stated.
The tournament was spread across four venues: the Calgary Soccer Centre Dome, the Shane Homes West Soccer Dome, Macron Centre, and the Shouldice Seasonal Dome. Macleod emphasized the significance of such events, noting that they create core memories for families and strengthen community bonds.
"I think tournaments are just absolute core memories for kids and families," Macleod said. "We're creating awesome experiences. This is for kids and families to come together, for the community to connect."
Economic Impact and Visitor Perspectives
Beyond community engagement, the tournament generated substantial economic benefits for Calgary. Macleod estimated that the event likely contributed over $6 million in economic impact to the city, thanks to its draw for out-of-town teams.
Khori Horton, visiting from Cranbrook, B.C., with the Kootenay East Soccer Association, expressed appreciation for Calgary's sports facilities and the timing of the event over the long weekend.
"For teams like us that travel, if it's not on a long weekend, a lot of the times we have to take a day off of school and work," Horton explained. "I know it's not always possible because that's a lot of the times when other events and other things happen, especially in our town, but we like the extra time."
Political Support for Recreational Facilities
Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark, who assisted in handing out medals at the soccer tournament, highlighted the importance of investing in recreation facilities. He stated that seeing families come together reinforces the value of such infrastructure in Calgary.
"It's a confirmation that this is an important place to invest in as we look ahead to the budget," Clark remarked. "Family, recreation and access to sport has to be a priority for us, and I think it is with myself and many of my colleagues."
Winter Festival at the Olympic Oval
On the opposite side of the city, the Olympic Oval hosted a Winter Festival, offering families opportunities to skate and engage in various activities. Katie Deboer, marketing and communications specialist for the Olympic Oval, described the event as a partnership with Sports Calgary.
"She called the event a 'multi-try sport and Family Day event, where families can come in, try all the sports, go for a skate and have a great time,'" Deboer said.
Tanis Ursulak, external affairs manager for Sport Calgary, noted that the Winter Festival coincided with the conclusion of the 10-day All Sport One City event, further emphasizing the city's commitment to promoting sports and family engagement.
Overall, Family Day in Calgary showcased a vibrant array of activities that brought together thousands of participants, underscoring the city's dedication to fostering community spirit and recreational opportunities for all ages.
