What began as a simple after-school soccer game for 20 kids at McCauley School in 2007 has blossomed into a city-wide movement. Today, Free Play for Kids impacts the lives of more than 4,500 children and their families every year across Edmonton, providing free sports programming primarily for refugee, newcomer, and Indigenous youth.
From Humble Beginnings to City-Wide Impact
The organization's founder and executive director, Tim Adams, reflects on the journey. The initial vision was straightforward: use sport as a tool to foster belonging, growth, and community. That vision found a powerful ally in the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF), whose early belief and financial support—significantly aided by the Oilers 50/50 raffle—helped scale the program dramatically.
Free Play for Kids now operates with 150 part-time staff, running concurrent programs in up to 50 locations. Its school-based initiatives are active in 26 elementary schools across the city, offering a critical space for connection after the final bell rings.
Sport as a Foundation for Belonging and Leadership
Adams emphasizes that the program addresses a profound need that goes beyond physical activity. "We need places where kids truly feel like they belong," he states. The environment is designed to be one of care, compassion, and friendship, where background, beliefs, or identity are irrelevant.
This ethos comes to life when children, many new to Canada, experience milestones like picking up a hockey stick for the first time, joining a school team, or visiting Rogers Place. The awe of seeing the Ice District, sharing a meal, and meeting players like Darnell Nurse creates moments where they feel completely at home.
"We're not shaping stronger athletes—we're shaping future leaders," Adams asserts. The program focuses on building confidence, empathy, courage, and leadership through the universal language of play.
A Sustained Future Through Partnership
The organization's future, particularly its hockey development pathway, has been secured through a major commitment. The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has pledged support through 2030, ensuring long-term access to the sport for countless children.
This partnership guarantees that hockey will remain more than just a game; it will be a consistent space for youth to connect, grow, and be part of something larger than themselves. For Adams, the growth of Free Play for Kids was always anticipated, not merely due to the hunger for sport, but because of the demonstrated need and the existence of committed community partners ready to invest in Edmonton's next generation.
