About Us

Children playing a soccer match, wearing red and yellow jerseys, on a grass field with trees and houses in the background.

1. History

Free Play was founded in 2007 as a non-profit called Free Footie. Through school volunteers, we provided a day a week of free soccer to more than 5,000 kids a year. That grew into basketball, hockey and flag football.

Three young girls wearing blue jerseys and smiling in a sports facility, with two of them wearing hijabs.

2. Evolution

Free Play gained charitable status in 2020. During COVID-19, need looked very different. We adapted. We hired staff and changed our focus to work with a smaller number of kids, everyday. This was to support families with free childcare while getting a chance to play.

Three youth basketball players in 'Wolves' jerseys sitting on bleachers, with a Wilson NCAA basketball in front.

3. Our Present

We’ve kept the free childcare going and grown to serve greater needs. We’ve added club teams for teens (the Wolves), food’s classes, programs to serve new refugees, community groups and adults.

Children and a woman playing with a beach ball indoors

4. Mission

Provide programs and spaces that are safe, accessible, and inclusive; where communities are empowered through play.

Group of coaches interacting with children in a gym setting, basketball hoop, kids sitting on the floor, wearing sports attire.

5. Values

We are Ambitious, Dependable, Inclusive, Intentional, Fun, Leaders.

Four children wearing orange Edmonton hockey jerseys indoors.

6. Why

We believe in a community where everyone can play, belong and grow.

What we provide

The name "Free Play" embodies everything we believe in as an organization. Not only should we be free to play, but play itself needs to be freed.

We provide: 

  • Free after school childcare

  • Free transportation

  • Food education

  • Social emotional learning

  • Trained and experienced staff

  • Multiple sports including soccer, football, basketball and hockey

  • Fun adventure days and unique experiences

The positives that come from Free Play:

  • The positive feeling of community, belonging, and friendships 

  • The positive impacts on social, emotional, and mental health 

  • Positive support and mentorship that nurtures healthy relationships 

  • The positives from a kid smiling when they kick, throw or hit a ball.

Watch and Learn

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report