Many kids show an interest in a particular sport from a young age. If parents notice their kid’s talents in time and take them to a sports club, they can see how a real sports star will grow up before their eyes. But even if your little one does not want to devote their entire life to physical activities, sports clubs will help them develop as individuals and teach them to work in a team. They will instill purpose and independence in your kid’s character and contribute to their mental and physical wellness.

If your kids can join a sports club, this is an opportunity worth taking. Or at least give it a try. Check out our six noteworthy sports clubs in Calgary further at icalgary.

1. Cascade Swim Club

Cascade Swim Club has been operating in Calgary since 1968. It started out as Acadia before merging with South Y Barracudas in 1973 when Cascade Swim Club was created.

Cascade is a progressive, inclusive, dynamic club with a proven track record for turning even the most inept swimmers into true professionals. Before enrolling in a class, kids are tested to assess their ability level.

The club offers regular and pre-competition programs at various pools in Calgary. They accept kids as young as three years old. So, if you are looking for a club where your kid can quickly acquire swimming skills and techniques, you are definitely in the right place.

2. Calgary Foothills Soccer Club

The club was established in 1972 as a youth club and joined the USL2 in 2015 as a franchise, a semi-professional soccer league sponsored by the United Soccer Leagues of the United States and Canada.  

The programs of this club follow European models of soccer techniques. The club offers programs for both those who view soccer as just a hobby and those looking to prepare for competitive matches. The club runs throughout the year, featuring outdoor and indoor venues. The testing is conducted in small groups to allow the coach to assess your kid’s skill level.

The mission of Calgary Foothills is to provide high-quality player development in a friendly environment. It is a true community that hosts club social events, team interactions, club tournaments, etc.

The club team’s home games are held at Foothills Composite High School in Okotoks, Alberta. White and green are the team colors.

3. SSD basketball and volleyball sports programs

The Stryker Sports Development Center provides basketball and volleyball programs in Calgary and the towns of Okotoks and High River. They hold weekly classes here during each Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. Special summer and winter camps are also available.

The center focuses on providing an excellent opportunity for young players to develop their potential as basketball or volleyball players, athletes and individuals.

SSD Early Development/Fundamental Skills Volleyball programs are designed for players in 1st through 7th grades. Through reduced regulations and equipment, the emphasis is on improving essential skills. Your kid will practice volleyball skills, balancing drills and other activities.

SSD Competition Preparation / Learn to Compete volleyball programs are designed for players who want to play volleyball seriously at a competitive level for school or club teams. They offer U13 and U16 development leagues in the Winter and Spring seasons. It is an excellent chance for those players playing in junior high or high school looking to acquire valuable experience.

SSD Early Development/Fundamental Skills basketball programs focus on providing the best youth basketball development programs for boys and girls in 1st through 8th grades. SSD Competition Preparation / Learn to Compete, on the other hand, is perfect for players who want to join a game for their school team or some club. The classes include on-court instruction, basic and advanced skill-building drills, physical fitness and nutrition instructions, etc.

It is worth noting that all programs are open to kids as young as six years old. The SSD facilities are dispersed around the city, so you may pick the one that is closest to you.

4. Calgary Warriors Track Club

If you have kids who can’t stop running, enrolling them in the Calgary Warriors Track Club is the best decision. The club is affiliated with Athletics Alberta and Athletics Canada (the governing bodies for Track and Field within Alberta and Canada). It has been in operation since 1991.

The club’s mission is to provide a friendly environment for athletes to succeed in athletics. The club trained athletes who later made it to provincial and national teams, with some receiving athletic scholarships to universities in Canada and the United States. Anyone can attend a free two-week trial to see if the club is a good fit.

Kids ages 12 and up are welcome to join the Calgary Warriors. Athletics will be a reason to get together with friends and a gateway to participate in various individual and team events in running, jumping and throwing. The club organizes training courses on sprints, hurdles, middle-distance running, jumps and combined sports.

5. Hockey Calgary 

Hockey is the most popular winter sport in Canada. If your kid aspires to be a star for the Calgary Flames or any other professional hockey team, you should contact Hockey Calgary.

Hockey Calgary is a volunteer organization committed to assisting young hockey players since 1949. The organization and its member associations offer various programs to fulfill the requirements of each family.

Hockey Calgary is part of Hockey Alberta and is the governing body for all Calgary minor hockey players aged 5 to 21. Hockey Calgary implements various ways to ensure that the experience is positive and effective for everyone.

6. Altadore Gymnastic Club

Altadore is a family-friendly, non-profit gymnastic club with a long history of offering comprehensive gymnastic programs for athletes of all ages and genders, starting at age 4.

Altadore was established in 1967 by Jim McLusky. It is Calgary’s very first gymnastics club. People here believe that gymnastics is an excellent means of learning endurance, coordination and body awareness. Club programs are designed to provide safe learning experiences for every kid according to their age and ability.

The recreational programs offer a wide range of activities for both kids and teenagers. Here, they teach regular gymnastics, trampolining and acrobatics. There are also competitive programs to help young athletes prepare for future performances in rhythmic or artistic gymnastics, trampolining and acrobatics.

The club offers a clean and safe space for your kid to train. You may also have a birthday party here since there is a separate party area for young gymnasts.

What’s more interesting is the club’s men’s program made Canadian history in 2004 when Altadore gymnast Kyle Shewfelt won gold at the Olympics. His gold medal in the men’s floor exercise event was the first medal ever won by a Canadian in a gymnastics competition.