The Government of Ontario has announced a $480,000 investment to expand inclusive and affordable sport opportunities for girls across the province. The funding will support “The Next Play Program,” led by Canadian Women & Sport, aiming to engage nearly 3,500 girls by equipping community sport organizations with the tools and resources needed to nurture young female athletes and enhance their skills.
The initiative is designed to remove barriers that limit participation in sports for girls and young women, while encouraging greater involvement in physical activity. With growing visibility of professional women’s leagues such as the WNBA, along with other leagues now present in Ontario, the program strengthens pathways for girls to pursue both recreational and high-performance sports careers.
Since its launch, the program has collaborated with hundreds of organizations and supported thousands of participants across the province. By focusing on inclusive program design and community engagement, it ensures that girls from diverse backgrounds can access opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and stay active throughout their lives.
The announcement also aligns with the broader growth of women’s sports in Ontario, highlighted by the upcoming debut of Toronto’s new WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo. This development reinforces the importance of grassroots initiatives that create strong foundations for future athletes while promoting health, inclusion, and long-term participation in sport.
