Youth sport in Calgary is shifting away from a pure focus of just winning. Community leaders are pushing for participation to be measured by inclusion and personal development, not the wins and losses.
While professional environments like Cavalry FC matches continue to draw attention and inspire young athletes, those working at the grassroots level argue the long term impact of sport is shaped elsewhere. It is on community fields, in local programs, and through everyday interactions between players, coaches, and families.
“It’s about getting people physically active, building their self esteem and self advocacy. So it’s bigger than sport. It’s the connection totally.” said John Clubb, the Technical Director of Eastside Memorial FC Soccer Club. “We all know that from sport participation, we want good kids growing up, and they’ll be the leaders of tomorrow. That’s what sport gives us. It costs. Sport does cost a lot in Canada, but my question is, if they weren’t doing sport, what would they be doing?.”
Clubb has worked tirelessly to be a coach that not only kids could rely upon but also the youth he works with. As Western Canada Coordinator for Soccability Canada, Clubb works directly with youth who have disabilities. Helping to break down barriers that may have held some kids back. Clubb is building that connection to not only the athlete but the family itself too. Creating a safe environment for all who participate.
“If you’ve got good coaches who understand connection, that’s what I’ve tried to create. You know, we are in a largely diverse community ethnically. We don’t talk about any of that stuff,” said Clubb, explaining that strong coaching is built on relationships and trust. Where the focus is on building connections between players and coaches rather than outside differences. “We just talk about the game and respect each other when we come in.”
“It’s changed since I’ve been here in the last two years. What I’ve got now is parents who are cheering on our teams whether we win or lose. You don’t see that often in youth soccer, they cheer for the team that wins, but if the kids lose, then they’re not happy. Our parents are really understanding what we’re trying to achieve.” he said. “The best learning is when the adults step back and the kids are left to resolve things themselves. You just see a whole new dynamic where children explore their own boundaries.”
John Clubb, Eastside Memorial FC Soccer Club and Soccability Canada.
That approach is also shared with Sport Calgary, which has focused on using sport as a tool for community. Using programs aimed at helping participants meet others and build social networks while playing sports. Reinforcing the idea that the benefits of sport extend beyond just physical activity.
“It’s about way more than just being involved in sports. It is about finding friends and socializing.” said Yasmin Austridge of Sport Calgary. “The main reason we do this is to get people involved in the community. A lot of the kids in this program are newcomers. We are trying to give them a space where they can meet people, and play a sport they may have played in their home country.”
Yasmin Austridge, Sport Calgary
“Everything you learn through sport. You don’t even realize at the time, but as you grow older, you’re like “Oh, I got that from my teamwork or communication or discipline.” It comes from sports. I think it massively helps confidence, even just having confidence in themselves and in their teammates.” said Austridge.
The environment created by adults, coaches and parents play a central role in shaping how sport is experienced, influencing whether it becomes a source of growth or stress.
“It depends on the environment they are in. At the grassroots level I think it really blends to that. Some of our more competitive levels don’t blend with that at all, where everyone is viewing sport as winner takes all. I think that’s one of the challenges. It’s not a case of medals, it’s a case of how the adult world perceives youth sport.” said Clubb.
“Coaches play a massive part. If your coach is upbeat and engaging, you’re gonna want to play and learn from them. The same with your teammates, you want people that lift you up, support you and are happy to be there. You don’t want to get there, and people are like “Oh, I don’t want to be here.” It’s nice when you have that environment that just makes your experience a lot better.” said Austridge.
Calgary’s evolving youth sport landscape is not only measured on the scoreboard. It is measured through the inclusion, sense of belonging and confidence instilled in youth athletes throughout the city. Calgary sees that with these kinds of programs continuing to grow.
Wednesday, April 1, 2025
Calgary, ALTA
Mitch Carlson, Sport Calgary