Getting kids active through Sport Hub – Calgary Conversations podcast

CALGARY – Getting kids active through sports is the focus of the latest edition of the Calgary Conversations podcast. 

Sport Hub is a new, community-centered program for kids and teens aged 5 to 18 that brings fun, inclusive and coach-led sport lessons directly to schools and neighbourhoods.  

“It’s all about reducing barriers to access,” said Brett Whittingham, leader of recreation programs at The City. “We acknowledge that families, kids and teens might experience barriers to accessing recreation opportunities, whether that’s transportation challenges or financial constraints. Sport Hub aims to help them through our free or low-cost programs.” 

Sport Hub works alongside sport organizations, school boards, community collaborators and funders such as United Way of Calgary and Area and Jumpstart, to deliver high-quality sport lessons where kids and teens already learn and play – right in their neighbourhood. Through free and low-cost lessons, the initiative helps make sport more accessible to youth across Calgary.  

Monique Blough, director of children and youth strategies at United Way, said the benefits of the program go beyond physical wellbeing.  

“Sport and recreation are strong prevention aspects and increase wellbeing and connection,” said Blough. “It also creates a sense of belonging. It helps kids increase their confidence.” 

Whittingham says the popularity of the program is taking off.  

“We soft-launched in May 2025 in about ten communities,” said Whittingham. “This year we’re adding 36 more communities. We have made some tremendous impact in quite a short period, reaching 20,000 kids and teens through over 100 programs.” 

What makes Sport Hub unique is its collaborative delivery model. The City works closely with sport organizations to deliver lessons in the sports they specialize in. By bringing coaching expertise and sports equipment into community settings, the program helps kids and teens build skills, confidence and a lifelong connection to sport.  

Sport Hub provides a wide range of sports and recreation activities participants can explore, including basketball, soccer, badminton, tennis, cricket, fencing, wrestling, lacrosse and more.  

Check out the full podcast at calgary.ca or wherever you download your favourite podcasts. Check out past episodes at Calgary Conversations: The City of Calgary podcast.  

For more information about Sport Hub or to register kids and teens for upcoming lessons, visit calgary.ca/SportHub.  

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom