The City of Calgary’s Sport Hub removes barriers to participation and builds confidence through sport
When kids enjoy moving, feel confident trying new things, and have positive experiences in sport, they are more likely to stay active as they grow. This principle is at the core of the City of Calgary’s Sport Hub.
After completing its pilot phase (2017-2020), the City of Calgary relaunched Sport Hub in 2025 to expand access to free and low-cost sport opportunities for kids and teens across the city. The program is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and easy for families to access, with lessons offered directly in schools and community spaces.
“Physical literacy is about helping kids feel comfortable and confident being active,” says Peter Ma, Sport Hub’s team lead. “When we remove barriers like cost, access, and pressure to perform, we give kids and teens more opportunities to try new activities they enjoy and build confidence that lasts beyond a single program or sport.”
Why Sport Hub works for families
Sport Hub focuses on creating positive first experiences in sport, especially for kids and teens who may not otherwise have the chance to participate. Lessons emphasize learning, movement, and fun instead of competition, helping kids and teens build confidence, make new friends, and feel supported.
In 2025, feedback from participants and families showed strong outcomes:
- 91% of participants highly agreed that they felt safe and included in this program
- 83% tried a sport they had not played before
- 75% felt more confident after taking part
These experiences help kids and teens see physical activity as something enjoyable and approachable rather than intimidating.
Programs designed with kids and teens in mind
Sport Hub lessons are delivered by trained coaches from sport organizations who understand how kids and teens learn and develop. Activities are adapted so participants can take part at their own comfort level and progress at a pace that feels right for them.
For families, this means:
- No long-term commitment
- All equipment provided
- Lessons offered close to home or at school
- Financial assistance available through Recreation Fee Assistance
By keeping lessons simple and accessible, Sport Hub helps remove common barriers that prevent kids and teens from getting involved in sport—making it easier for families to say “yes” to being active.
A safe and welcoming environment
Creating spaces where kids and teens feel safe, supported, and included is essential. In 2025, parents consistently reported positive experiences:
- 93% said programs offered a safe and welcoming environment
- 96% said the program met or exceeded their expectations
A strong sense of safety and belonging not only helps kids enjoy the moment; it plays a key role in keeping them engaged, motivated, and open to exploring new ways to be active.
Supporting active habits for life
Sport Hub helps kids and teens enjoy movement, build basic skills and feel confident being active. By giving kids and teens the chance to try different activities in a well-supported environment, Sport Hub helps lay the foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.
About this article
This article is an original summary of Calgary Sport Hub’s 2025 impact, informed by internal evaluation data and aligned with physical literacy principles.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on Aug. 17, 2017.
