Equip Kids for Sport
We receive, repair, refurbish and redistribute gently used sports equipment to kids aged 4-17 in families facing financial hardship.
About Us
CHANGING LIVES
THROUGH SPORT
Every kid deserves a chance to play. Sport Central connects families across Northern Alberta who are facing financial hardship with the equipment, support, and community they need to get in the game.
About Sport Central
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORT
SPORT CENTRAL ASSOCIATION is an Alberta based Charity that was founded on December 6th, 1991.
Northern Alberta Reach
We serve kids from Red Deer, up to the northern border of Alberta.
50+ Donation Locations
We have over 50 donation locations.
Community Outreach
In addition to the kids we serve through our front door, we send bulk shipments of equipment locally and regionally to communities, community leagues, and schools.
Equipment Exchange
As kids outgrow their equipment, they can bring it back in and exchange for the next size.
Repair & Recycle
We keep equipment out of landfills by repairing what we can and recycling what we cannot — including over 20 tonnes of metal annually.
20+ Sports & Activities
Bicycles (pedal, run, tricycles), badminton, baseball, softball, basketball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, football, golf, hockey (ice, ball, inline), lacrosse, leisure sports (skateboards, scooters, & sleds), ringette, roller skates, rollerblades, rugby, snowboarding, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
Thank you for supporting Sport Central. With your help spreading the word about our services, you too are changing lives through sport!
Watch
SEE THE IMPACT IN ACTION
What We Do
UNLOCKING EVERY KID'S POTENTIAL
Get involved with Sport Central and help bring the gamechanging power of sports to every kid's life. Supporting Sport Central is not just about providing sports equipment… it's about unlocking the boundless potential of every kid.
How To Get Involved
JOIN THE MISSION
Our Vision, Mission & Values
WHAT DRIVES US FORWARD
Vision
Changing lives through sport.
Mission
Empowering kids, one piece of sports equipment at a time.
Appreciation
We acknowledge and express our gratitude for the contributions of our donors, volunteers, and team members.
Fun
We believe that sports are a source of fun. We strive to make Sport Central enjoyable for everyone involved.
Inclusive
We are motivated to ensure people feel welcomed, included, and valued. We treat every person and every relationship fairly and equally.
Relationships
We recognize the importance of building relationships and partnerships in the communities we serve. These relationships amplify our positive impact.
Service
We deliver services and assistance beyond expectations.
Our History
BUILT BY COMMUNITY, GROWN FOR KIDS
Recognizing the need for a storefront facility near neighbourhoods in need, Sport Central founders rented the former Highland Sports building on what is now Wayne Gretzky Drive. The building purchase was finalized in January 1998 with help from a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant. A decade later, in dire need of more space, Sport Central bought the former BMC Automatic Transmissions Centre located directly north across 119 Avenue, again with provincial support from the Major Community Facilities Enhancement Program.
Even before the first kid walked in the door, Sport Central became a gathering spot for sports alumni and other volunteers—a Hot Stove League of willing hands. Led by a General Manager and several key individuals, they made things happen: renovations, transportation, gear sorting and repair, fitting kids, fundraising. And they have fun. Going far beyond the call of duty on behalf of kids, they were a walking testimony of the strong spirit of volunteerism for which Edmonton is known.
The original Hot Stove League has aged nearly twenty-five years since the doors opened. New recruits stoke the fire but more help is always needed.
As Sport Central becomes more widely recognized as a sports equipment donation and distribution centre for kids facing financial hardship, Sport Central can now serve more kids—if the hands are there to do it.
HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING
Support the next generation of kids in sport by giving equipment, volunteering your time, or donating today.