ST. PAUL — For families struggling with the rising costs of organized sports, financial assistance through KidSport Alberta is helping make sure more children have the opportunity to play.

The province announced an additional $547,000 investment in KidSport Alberta earlier this year through its Every Kid Can Play program, building on $3.5 million in annual provincial funding.

The program helps eligible families cover up to $350 per child toward sport registration fees, reducing one of the financial barriers that can prevent children from joining a team or participating in organized activities.

Locally, organizations such as KidSport St. Paul are helping connect families with that support, giving more children the opportunity to participate in hockey, soccer and other sports.

Local volunteers making a difference

Behind the provincial funding are local volunteers who work with families to make organized sports more accessible.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr recently highlighted the work of KidSport St. Paul after receiving a message from Darryl Poirier, who thanked the province for its continued support of the program.

Cyr said the message was a reminder of the difference financial assistance can make for children who might otherwise miss out on organized sports.

“Behind every funding announcement are real children getting the chance to pull on a team jersey and experience the excitement of belonging to something bigger than themselves,” Cyr said.

For families, registration costs can add up quickly, particularly when more than one child wants to participate.

Financial assistance can help reduce those costs while allowing children to experience the benefits of team sports, including physical activity, friendships, confidence and community connection.

More than 35,000 children supported

According to figures shared by Cyr, Alberta’s Every Kid Can Play program had helped more than 35,000 children register for sporting activities by January 2026.

The additional $547,000 investment in KidSport Alberta is intended to help more eligible families access registration assistance.

Cyr thanked Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko for supporting the program and recognized Poirier and KidSport St. Paul volunteers for their work locally.

While the funding is provincial, its impact reaches communities throughout the Lakeland, where volunteer-run sports organizations play an important role in keeping recreational opportunities available to children and families.

How families can apply

Families facing financial barriers to organized sports can apply for assistance through their local KidSport chapter.

Eligible applicants may receive up to $350 per child toward approved sport registration fees, subject to program requirements and available funding.

Applications and additional information are available through KidSport Alberta at kidsportcanada.ca/alberta.

For families who have been putting off registration because of the cost, the program could help make the difference between watching from the sidelines and getting into the game.