Calgary is gearing up for an exciting summer of sports as the city launches new recreational programs to build momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiatives aim to engage youth and families, fostering community connection and supporting local businesses.
Soccer City Program
The city has partnered with Cavalry FC and Calgary Wild FC to present Soccer City, a series of free soccer clinics held in Peace Park. These clinics are designed for children aged eight to 17 and will run from June 7 to September 2, mostly on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will have the opportunity to meet professional soccer players and receive coaching from the teams.
Sarah Keilty-Dilling, goalkeeper for Calgary Wild FC, emphasized the importance of representation. "I didn't even know that it was possible as a young girl to play sport professionally," she said. "Representation matters." She recalled growing up in Calgary without female professional soccer role models, making these clinics a powerful platform for inspiring the next generation.
World Cup Watch Parties
For those who prefer watching the action, the city will host three World Cup watch parties at Eau Claire Plaza on June 12, 18, and 24. These free public events will allow families to gather, wear their jerseys, and cheer for Team Canada. The Calgary Minor Soccer Association will also set up a fun zone with a mini pit, one-on-one games, and a digital precision wall with a leaderboard to test kicking accuracy.
"These free public watch parties will give Calgary families a welcoming and energetic place to come together, wear their jerseys, celebrate the goals and experience the biggest sporting event in the world, right here in the heart of our city," said Carlo Bruneau, executive director of the association.
Surge City Summer Basketball Series
Alongside soccer, the city is bringing back the Surge City summer basketball series in partnership with The Calgary Surge professional basketball club. The program will run from June 2 to September 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Century Gardens. The series will conclude with a three-on-three tournament in September.
Last year's pilot program saw 1,100 registrants from 300 families participating in 58 sessions. Dylan Howe, president of Calgary Surge, noted that over 93 percent of those families chose to come downtown. "There were plenty of times last year where we actually filled registration within 24 hours of going live, so being able to add in a third session is just inviting more families and more participants to take part," he said.
Community Impact
Thom Mahler, the city's director of downtown strategy, highlighted the broader benefits of these programs. "Nothing brings people together more than sport, and (in) an Olympic city like Calgary, we know that better than most. This summer downtown is where Calgarians will come together to play, connect and cheer," he said. "These programs boost foot traffic, support local businesses and help build a stronger, more resilient downtown."
Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, with Toronto and Vancouver serving as host cities. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with Canada's men's national team expected to play in the opening match in Toronto on June 12.
