Help paying for youth sport
Cost shouldn't stop a kid from playing. These are the programs families in Alberta can apply to: Canada-wide and province-wide programs, plus the city subsidies we have found. Amounts and rules are as published and can change each year.
Most programs take applications straight from parents; some need the club or school to fill in part of the form, or must be approved before you register. Ask early.
Province-wide and Metro Vancouver
- Discount
Airdrie Fair Access (AFA)
City of Airdrie
- What it covers
- Discounts with an AFA card on Genesis Place passes and admissions, swimming lessons (not private lessons), children's and youth registered programs and day camps, plus transit, Bert Church Theatre tickets and arts classes. The discount rate is not stated on the page; discounts apply in person or by phone, not online.
- How to apply
- Contact City of Airdrie Social Planning (403-948-8800, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) for eligibility guidelines and the AFA card.
Source: airdrie.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - SubsidyUp to $150
Apply for a Subsidy (recreation subsidy program)
City of St. Albert (Family & Community Support Services)
- What it covers
- A free six-month membership or 60% off an annual membership at City-run recreation facilities (Servus Place, Fountain Park Recreation Centre), and up to $150 per child for City-run children's programs. AISH and ADAP recipients get a free annual membership.
- Who qualifies
- St. Albert residents with total household income before tax within Statistics Canada low-income limits (e.g. $31,264 for 1 person, $58,096 for 4, $82,739 for 7+), not funded by another source for the same option.
- How to apply
- Apply online through the City's Sharevision platform (stalbert.sharevision.app). Questions: 780-459-1756 or subsidyprogram@stalbert.ca.
Source: stalbert.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - GrantUp to $300
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Individual Child Grants
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
- What it covers
- Eligible sport or physical-activity registration and equipment costs, up to $300 per child per year. Programs must run at least five weeks with at least one session per week (sport camps: at least five consecutive days). Payment goes to the registered organization, not the family, about 6-8 weeks after approval.
- Who qualifies
- Children aged 4-18 in families that meet Statistics Canada low-income cut-offs (LICO, before-tax). Some local Chapters may no longer offer the grant; check your Chapter in your Jumpstart account.
- How to apply
- Create a Jumpstart account, confirm your local Chapter is accepting applications, and apply online before the program starts with a current Canada Child Benefit statement and proof of programming (payee organization, program, dates, cost). Applications after a program ends are not reviewed.
Source: jumpstart.canadiantire.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - SubsidyUp to $600
Everybody Gets to Play (subsidized recreation / Recreation Access Program)
Strathcona County
- What it covers
- A free one-year Active Pass+ (drop-in at all six County recreation facilities) and, for children and youth, 75% off up to four County-run registered programs per year to a maximum of $600 (participant pays 25% when using the program card). Adults: three programs, max $450.
- Who qualifies
- Strathcona County residents who are Canadian citizens, refugees or permanent residents (temporary permit holders excluded) with household net income below the published limits (e.g. $33,675 for 1 person, $63,668 for 4, $88,308 for 7+; adjusted annually).
- How to apply
- Call 780-464-4044 or walk in to Family and Community Services (401 Festival Lane) to meet a Solutions Navigator, with proof of income (2025 Notice of Assessment from June 1, 2026), ID and proof of residency. Present program vouchers in person at a recreation centre before the program starts.
Source: strathcona.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - DiscountUp to $200
Fair Entry (recreation user fee assistance)
City of Medicine Hat
- What it covers
- 75% off regular-priced City recreation programs and admissions at City-run pools and leisure centres, up to a $200 subsidy per family member per year (not shareable; unused amounts expire at year end).
- Who qualifies
- Medicine Hat residents (street address) with household income before tax below Statistics Canada LICO (2025: e.g. $27,308 for 1 person, $50,744 for 4).
- How to apply
- Apply online with the Fair Entry form or on paper at City Hall, Big Marble Go Centre, Crestwood Recreation Centre or the Esplanade, with proof of address and income for each household member 18+. Processing within two weeks; apply before using services (no retroactive refunds). Questions: 403-502-8001 or fairentry@medicinehat.ca.
Source: medicinehat.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - SubsidyUp to $200
Fee Assistance Program
City of Red Deer
- What it covers
- Up to $200 per year per eligible person toward City (Safe & Healthy Communities) program registrations, pending available funding, plus a Recreation Pass Card for drop-in activities at City-operated recreation facilities.
- Who qualifies
- Red Deer residents on AISH, Alberta Works or Income Support, Bridges Community Living tenants, refugees, or people referred by an agency qualify automatically; others can qualify on low income shown by a CRA Notice of Assessment. GIS alone is not a qualifier.
- How to apply
- Apply in person (same-day with a qualifier) at Collicutt Centre, G.H. Dawe, Don Moore or Michener Aquatic Centre with ID, proof of residence and documents, or online with the Fee Assistance Program Application Form and a Notice of Assessment for each adult. Online processing can take over 10 business days. Contact 403-309-8411 or feeassistance@reddeer.ca.
Source: reddeer.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - SubsidyUp to $150
Fee Assistance Program (recreation and culture)
City of Lethbridge
- What it covers
- Funding for one recreation or culture program/activity, up to $150 per person per season (Jan 1-Jun 30 and Jul 1-Dec 31), while funds last. Programs must run at least 4 days/classes, or be a camp or membership. The program also discounts bus passes and Access-A-Ride by two-thirds.
- Who qualifies
- Lethbridge residents with gross adult household income at or below Statistics Canada LICO (e.g. $27,478 for 1 person, $51,058 for 4; households up to 10% above are accepted).
- How to apply
- Complete the online application with proof of Lethbridge residency and income for each adult (Notice of Assessment or benefit statement). Help is available at CommunityLINKS (Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch). Questions: feeassistance@lethbridge.ca or 311.
Source: lethbridge.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - GrantUp to $350
KidSport Alberta Provincial Fund
KidSport Alberta
- What it covers
- Sport registration fees for a sustained, instructor-led program, up to $350 per child per calendar year, paid directly to the sport program. Travel, competitions, tournament fees and programs already finished are not covered; children needing equipment are referred to a partner agency.
- Who qualifies
- Alberta families facing financial barriers (federal low-income guideline plus about 50%), living outside a local KidSport chapter area (chapter areas such as Calgary and Edmonton apply through their chapter). Proof of income for every adult in the home (Canada Child Benefit notice preferred).
- How to apply
- Register the child first and tell the program you are applying, then apply online through the KidSport portal or on a paper form; processed within about 30 days. 2026 deadline: December 13.
Source: kidsportcanada.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - GrantUp to $500
KidSport Calgary & Area grant
KidSport Calgary & Area (KidSport Alberta chapter)
- What it covers
- Sport registration fees for a season of play, up to $500 per child per year; the chapter also offers no-cost equipment.
- Who qualifies
- Children 18 and under living in Calgary & Area from families facing financial barriers.
- How to apply
- Apply online through the chapter's Apply for a Grant page after registering the child in a program.
Source: kidsportcanada.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - GrantUp to $300
KidSport Edmonton grant
KidSport Edmonton (KidSport Alberta chapter)
- What it covers
- Sport registration fees at all levels (recreational to elite, including school sport, sport camps and parasport), up to $300 per child per calendar year, paid to the club. Programs must be at least 4 weeks (camps 4 days), instructor-led and at least 80% sport. Not covered: travel, competitions, non-registration fees, City of Edmonton programs, finished programs. Equipment may be available through partner Sport Central if requested 2 months ahead.
- Who qualifies
- Children 18 and under living in the City of Edmonton, with family net income under LICO plus 50% per the Canada Child Benefit notice (e.g., family of 4: under $88,932).
- How to apply
- Register the child and tell the program you are applying; submit online, by webform or on paper before the program ends, with the registration receipt and the CCB notice (or a City of Edmonton Leisure Access Program letter). Processed within 4 weeks.
Source: kidsportcanada.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - GrantUp to $250
KidSport Red Deer grant
KidSport Red Deer (KidSport Alberta chapter)
- What it covers
- Sport registration fees for a season of sport, up to $250 per child per year, paid to the sport organization.
- Who qualifies
- Children 18 and under living in the chapter's service area from families facing financial barriers; families outside the area use their nearest chapter or the provincial fund.
- How to apply
- Register the child in a program, then apply online through the chapter's Apply for a Grant page.
Source: kidsportcanada.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - Subsidy
Leisure Access Program (LAP)
City of Edmonton
- What it covers
- Annual program: unlimited free admission to participating City recreation facilities and 75% off up to four registered programs per child per year (adults/seniors three); a discounted Monthly Pass ($20 individual / $70 family) is an alternative. Applicants are also considered for the Ride Transit Program.
- Who qualifies
- Edmonton residents with combined household income (line 15000) below the published threshold for household size, or receiving Alberta Income Support, AISH or CPP Disability, recent permanent residents/refugee claimants who cannot yet file taxes, or children in government care.
- How to apply
- Complete the Leisure Access and Ride Transit Programs application form with documents (e.g., 2025 Notice of Assessment) and submit by mail or in person at the Edmonton Service Centre or a recreation centre; email and fax are not accepted. Call 311 with questions.
Source: edmonton.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - Subsidy
Recreation Access Program
City of Grande Prairie
- What it covers
- 75% subsidy on applicable memberships, punch passes and registered programs at Eastlink Centre and other City facilities (summer camps and registered programs at Keyera Place, Dave Barr Community Centre, Ernie Radbourne Pavilion; public skating at Design Works Centre). For swimming or sport lessons, apply to KidSport or Jumpstart first; the City subsidy applies if you don't qualify. AISH/ADAP recipients get no-charge Eastlink Centre access. Limits set by staff at the application appointment.
- Who qualifies
- Grande Prairie residents with household income at or below Statistics Canada LICO plus 30% (e.g. $34,787 for 1 person, $64,641 for 4, $92,060 for 7+).
- How to apply
- Apply year-round with the Recreation Access Program application form (download or online booking system), with proof of address, household income and documents for dependent children. Monthly payment options are available at Eastlink Centre.
Source: cityofgp.com, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - DiscountUp to $250
Recreation Fee Assistance (registered classes, lessons and day camps)
City of Calgary
- What it covers
- 90% off most City registered programs (swimming, skating, sports, day camps, etc.). Children and youth 17 and under: 90% off programs under $100; for programs over $100, 90% up to $100 off per program; up to four programs or $250 in discounts per 12 months.
- Who qualifies
- Calgary residents approved through the City's Fair Entry low-income program.
- How to apply
- Apply for Fair Entry first (calgary.ca/social-services/low-income/fair-entry-subsidy/how-to-apply.html). Once approved, register in person with photo ID, by phone at 403-268-3800, or online at Live and Play using the email from your Fair Entry application.
Source: calgary.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page