Help paying for youth sport
Cost shouldn't stop a kid from playing. These are the programs families in Manitoba 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
- 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 - GrantUp to $300
KidSport Manitoba grants (Provincial Fund)
KidSport Manitoba
- What it covers
- Registration fees for the current or upcoming season, up to $300 per child per year, paid to the club. Not covered: equipment, uniforms, travel, tournaments/competitions, camps, private lessons, provincial or high-performance teams, finished programs; dance and MMA are ineligible.
- Who qualifies
- Manitoba households under Statistics Canada LICO gross-income limits (e.g., 4 people: $59,288); exceptions for unusual circumstances. Club must be an active member of a provincial sport organization. Five chapters (North, East, South, West, Winnipeg) plus the Provincial Fund.
- How to apply
- Register the child, then apply online (fastest) or on paper with proof of income for every parent/guardian (Notice of Assessment, three recent pay stubs, or EIA budget letter). Monthly deadline: the 15th.
Source: kidsportcanada.ca, checked 2026-11-03
Official page - SubsidyUp to $300
Recreation Fee Assistance Program
City of Winnipeg
- What it covers
- A $300 Leisure Guide activity credit per person (valid 12 months; usable for swimming lessons, skating lessons, summer camps and other registered Leisure Guide activities), plus a rechargeable 10-visit facility pass (pools, fitness & leisure centres) and a 10-visit drop-in active living pass.
- Who qualifies
- City of Winnipeg residents or newcomers whose economic family income is below the low income cut-off (e.g. $31,264 for 1 person, $58,096 for 4; add $8,424 per person above 7).
- How to apply
- Complete the Recreation Fee Assistance Program application (one form per economic family) with an EIA case number or proof of need (e.g. CRA Notice of Assessment, landing date and UCI). Submit by email (RecFeeAssist@winnipeg.ca), mail or in person at 395 Main St. or any indoor pool or fitness & leisure centre. Apply before Leisure Guide registration day to use the credit.
Source: winnipeg.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page - Free program
SPIN (free sports programming)
City of Winnipeg
- What it covers
- Free sports programming for children aged 6-14 in Winnipeg's inner city.
- Who qualifies
- Children aged 6-14 in Winnipeg's inner-city neighbourhoods.
- How to apply
- Contact 311 or spin@winnipeg.ca for locations and schedules.
Source: winnipeg.ca, checked 2026-11-04
Official page