Sport and recreation play important roles in the early stages of a child’s life. They teach teamwork, build confidence and promote healthy lifestyles that last well into adulthood. Unfortunately, financial barriers to sport can force some Albertan children to watch from the sidelines.
Alberta’s government remains committed to supporting Albertans facing higher costs of living. The province is breaking down the financial barriers that prevent kids from engaging in sport and recreation programs and getting them back in the game. If passed, Budget 2025 would provide $8 million to the Every Kid Can Play program.
“I’m proud Alberta’s government is supporting families with affordable access to sport and recreation through the Every Kid Can Play program. Sport is for everyone, which is why we’re breaking down financial barriers to ensure no child is forced to watch from the sidelines.”
If the budget passes, $3.5 million would go directly to helping cover sport registration costs for families in need. Since 2023, the Every Kid Can Play program has supported more than 21,000 registrations for children and youth to access sport and recreation.
“Increasing affordable access to sport and recreation for Alberta’s children and youth will help support them in their development by providing mentorship and improving their physical and mental wellness. I am proud to support the Every Kid Can Play initiative to continue building up and supporting stronger communities.”
“Sport provides opportunity for children and youth to build healthy habits, friendships and lifelong memories. By making sport more affordable and accessible, we’re not only helping families keep more money in their pockets – we’re enriching the lives of our young people now and for many years to come.”
In the past year alone, more than 12,200 kids who would otherwise have been unable to access sport were able to get into the game thanks to the Every Kid Can Play program helping cover the cost of registration. Through funds directed to KidSport Alberta, the Every Kid Can Play program offers eligible families up to $350 per child to offset the costs of kids’ registration in sports and recreational activities.
The Every Kid Can Play program also supports provincial and community non-profit organizations, reducing financial pressures and increasing the number of kids the programs are able to admit. Since 2023, the Every Kid Can Play program has supported more than 200 child and youth-focused community-level programs throughout Alberta.
“At KidSport Alberta, we believe the impact of sport on children’s lives goes far beyond competition and physical fitness – it’s about confidence, community and opportunity. Thanks to the Government of Alberta’s renewed commitment to the Every Kid Can Play Program, we can continue to strive towards our goal of an Alberta in which ALL kids have a chance to play.”
“The Every Kid Can Play program opened doors for us, giving my grandson the opportunity to be involved in the sports he loves. I’m grateful that the Government of Alberta is working to make sport and recreation more accessible and affordable for all families across Alberta.”
The Every Kid Can Play program is designed to address affordability and accessibility challenges to sport, physical activity and recreation programs for Alberta kids and their families.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on supporting the economy.