The City of Calgary has launched a new program called Sport Hub, aimed at getting children more active by removing common barriers to sports participation. The initiative, announced on Monday, brings coaching expertise and sports equipment directly into schools and community settings, making it easier for young people to try new activities.
How Sport Hub Works
Sport Hub is a collaboration between the city's recreation department, Calgary's two largest school boards, and over two dozen community organizations and youth sport clubs. The program supplements existing physical education curricula by bringing coaches from local sporting organizations into schools, exposing students to a range of sports at little or no cost.
Brett Whittingham, the city's leader of recreation programs, explained that the program aims to reduce or eliminate barriers such as high registration fees, equipment costs, and transportation needs. "We see it as an opportunity to complement and enhance the Phys. Ed programming that schools are delivering," Whittingham said at the launch event at Father Lacombe High School. "We recognize not all teachers know how to play every type of sport."
Expanding Access
Sport Hub was first piloted from 2017 to 2020 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was revived with a soft launch last spring in 10 Calgary communities, reaching more than 5,000 children. Now, the program is expanding to 46 neighbourhoods and 92 schools, selected based on the Calgary Equity Index, which identifies areas with the greatest barriers to access.
Partner organizations include Jumpstart, the United Way of Calgary and Area, Sport Calgary, and 24 local sport organizations. The program offers opportunities to try 14 different sports, including tennis, fencing, cricket, and more. Activities are provided both in-school and as extracurricular options.
Community Impact
Karen Young, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, emphasized the transformative power of sports. "We really believe in the potential of every young person, not just the ones that can afford to participate," she said. "We want to be able to meet young people where they are, remove barriers and create spaces for them to build confidence, to have connection and to get that resilience at a very critical stage in their lives."
The official launch event featured demonstrations from Tennis Alberta, Fencing Calgary, Sport Calgary, and Future Cricket Stars Academy, among others. Elementary students from Holy Family School tried cricket during the event, showcasing the program's hands-on approach.
By fostering physical literacy, confidence, and a lifelong connection to sport, Sport Hub aims to ensure that all Calgary youth have the chance to participate, regardless of their circumstances.
