The federal government has announced plans to support the construction of a new community soccer pitch in Calgary as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding access to sport for children and youth.
The announcement was made Tuesday by Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, who said the project is part of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities’ plan to build up to 25 community soccer pitches across Canada by 2029. The initiative is supported by more than $2 million in federal funding to help
children and youth participate in organized sport and recreational play.
The proposed Calgary pitch will be developed through consultations involving the City of Calgary, local community organizations and residents to ensure the facility reflects the needs of the neighbourhood it will serve.
Federal officials say the project is intended to create more opportunities for young people to participate in sport while building healthier, more connected communities.
“Sport has the power to unite communities and inspire young people to dream bigger,” van Koeverden said in announcing the initiative. “By investing in safe and accessible places to play, we’re helping more children develop confidence, stay active and enjoy the lifelong benefits that sport provides.”
The announcement follows a summer in which Canada hosted major international soccer events, generating increased interest in the sport nationwide. The federal government says the new community pitches are designed to ensure that enthusiasm translates into lasting local benefits long after the final whistle.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, which is leading the national pitch-building program, says the initiative focuses on removing financial, physical and systemic barriers that prevent children from participating in sports.
“Our goal is to create welcoming spaces where every child has the opportunity to play, develop skills and feel a sense of belonging,” said Marco Di Buono, President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Working alongside Sport Canada and municipalities like Calgary allows us to make community sport more accessible for families.”
City officials welcomed the partnership, noting that Calgary continues to experience growing demand for quality recreation facilities.
Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly said the project aligns with the City’s long-term recreation strategy, GamePLAN, which seeks to expand inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for residents.
“The new soccer pitch will help provide more opportunities for children and youth to stay active, learn teamwork and connect with others through sport,” Kelly said.
Soccer is Canada’s largest participation sport and continues to experience rapid growth across the country. The federal government said investments in community infrastructure are intended to support that growth while encouraging lifelong participation in physical activity.
The Calgary project also forms part of the federal government’s broader $1-billion investment in Canadian sport, which includes funding for community recreation infrastructure, major sporting events, athlete development and improved access to sport from the grassroots to elite competition.
Construction timelines and the exact location of the Calgary soccer pitch have not yet been announced. Public consultations are expected to begin before design and development move forward.
Canadian Heritage says additional community soccer pitch locations across Canada will be announced as partnerships with municipalities and community organizations are finalized.
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