Top of the City Sports Equity Initiative:

Top of the City Sports Equity Initiative is a federal not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving access to sport, recreation, and physical activity for children and youth across Canada.

We believe every child should have the opportunity to play, learn, grow, and belong. However, financial and operational barriers can make it difficult for families to access quality programming and for organizations to offer programs at rates that remain affordable.

Top of the City works with eligible member organizations that share our commitment to accessible, inclusive, and development-focused children’s programming. Through partnerships, community support, and targeted initiatives, we help strengthen programs that create meaningful opportunities for children to participate in sport and recreation.

Our objective is simple: to make it easier for more children to access high-quality programming at a cost that is fair and sustainable for families.


Why This Is Important:

Sport and recreation play an important role in childhood development. Participation helps children build physical literacy, confidence, teamwork, social connection, and a sense of belonging.

Unfortunately, the cost of delivering programming continues to rise. Families may face increasing registration fees, while program providers must manage the growing costs associated with staffing, equipment, insurance, administration, and access to appropriate spaces.

These challenges can limit participation and create barriers for children who would benefit from being active and engaged in their communities.

Top of the City exists to help address those barriers.

How We Support Accessible Programming:

Top of the City works with approved member organizations to support the delivery of affordable children’s sport and recreational programming.

The support provided may vary depending on the needs of the organization, the community it serves, and the resources available. This may include:

• connecting members with community partners and sponsorship opportunities;

• providing administrative resources and practical support;

• helping members identify opportunities to reduce the cost of delivering programming;

• supporting initiatives that improve access for underserved communities;

• promoting collaboration across our member network; and

• providing registration assistance for eligible children and families.

• Our role is to help member organizations operate sustainable programs while maintaining a strong focus on affordability, accessibility, and positive outcomes for children.

Reinvesting in Participation

Any revenue received by Top of the City in excess of its operating expenditures is reinvested into our not-for-profit mandate.

This includes initiatives that help children access programming offered by approved members, including the Equity in Play Scholarship.

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Through this model, the success of our network helps create additional opportunities for children and families who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Our Member Network

Top of the City works with organizations that deliver sport, recreation, and physical activity programming for children and youth.

Membership is not automatic. Each application is reviewed to assess whether the organization’s programming aligns with our mandate and whether it contributes to accessible, inclusive, and development-focused opportunities for children.

We look for member organizations that:

• provide programming primarily for children or youth;

• promote physical activity, childhood development, participation, and inclusion;

• offer programming at rates that are reasonably accessible to families;

• demonstrate a commitment to safe and responsible operations; and

• share our goal of creating more opportunities for children to participate.

Equity in Play Scholarship

The Equity in Play Scholarship helps eligible children access sport and recreational programming offered through Top of the City’s member network.

Parents and guardians may apply for assistance where financial barriers may otherwise prevent a child from participating. Applications are reviewed based on available funding and applicable eligibility criteria.

Working Together

Top of the City is proud to work with families, member organizations, sponsors, community partners, and supporters who share our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate.

Together, we can create healthier, more inclusive communities through sport and recreation.