This week, through our Sport to Life lesson, we learned the importance of trying new things.

It's important that Kids learn to take risks because it develops resilience, enhances creativity, builds confidence, and fosters adaptability.

Our Wolves coach, T-Boy, Fayia, was named as the recipient of the West Conference's Student-Athlete Community Service Award!

Fayia currently serves as head coach of our Wolves U15 Boys Soccer Team and was a former player under our Free Footie programs. 

He dedicates countless hours both on and off the field—leading training sessions twice a week, managing games, and helping players navigate registration and day-to-day logistics.

Last week, Food to Play was thrilled to introduce our West region kids to a delicious Garlic & Parsley potato recipe! Alongside learning fun facts about potatoes, we explored different dietary needs and personal food choices — including vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and Halal practices.

Our focus was helping kids understand that no matter the reason behind someone’s eating style, everyone belongs, and everyone has the power to choose foods that work for them.

This past week, we explored the topic: Lead – Thinking of Others. Each day, our coaches brought awareness to valuing other perspectives, being role models, and approaching challenges with fairness and compromise.

The Regional Manager oversees the day-to-day delivery and operations of Free Play for Kids programs within their region, ensuring smooth execution, proper staffing, and strong relationships with families. This role also supports the technical delivery of sports programming and promotes a positive team culture.

As a strategic leader, the Regional Manager drives operational excellence and ensures all Free Play initiatives reflect our mission to provide safe, accessible, and inclusive play opportunities that empower communities.

If you feel you have the skills and qualifications for this role, we want to hear from you!

The Administrative Specialist supports the smooth daily operations of Free Play for Kids by managing logistics, communication, and essential administrative tasks. This role helps reduce the workload of Regional Managers and staff, allowing them to focus on delivering programs and creating community impact.

Key duties include organizing bookings, maintaining data systems, coordinating communications, supporting volunteers, managing inboxes and calls, and assisting with operational efficiency across the organization.

If you feel you have the skills and qualifications for this role, we want to hear from you!

Free Play for Kids is seeking energetic and dedicated individuals to join our team as Jr. Wolves Ball Hockey/Soccer Academies Head Coaches.

In this role, you will serve as both a coach and a mentor—creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where all kids can play, belong, and grow.

If you feel you are interested and qualified for this position, we want to hear from you!

Join the newly made 3v3 basketball league where you’ll experience a fast-paced competition and get plenty of touches. This initiative offers a league format while also keeping a pick-up energy, making it ideal for hoopers seeking more game time or if you just want to develop skills and compete, all are welcome!

Season includes 8 weeks of games with 2-3 per week. The Fee to participate is $125.

*Players part of our Wolves Basketball program are eligible to enter at a discounted rate.

Free Play for Kids is searching for highly motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Coaches to join our Free to Play program on a part-time basis starting at the end of August 2025 for the 2025–2026 elementary school year.

If you’ve coached or played sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, or flag football—and love working with kids—we want to hear from you!

Last week was no ordinary week for our Wolves U17 Boys soccer team, as Olympic gold medallist and Member of Parliament serving as the Secretary of State for Sport, Adam Van Koeverden, came to visit!

He brought along colleagues and fellow MPs as well as some wisdom, and soccer skill on the pitch, he took part in training drills and a scrimmage at the East Soccer Centre!

Barrier-Free After-School Sport & Social Development
Free to Play is a no-cost, daily after-school program for Grades 3 to 6 at 26 high-needs schools in Edmonton. Each session combines sport, mentorship, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), with a focus on physical literacy, mental wellness, and equity.

Daily: Sport, SEL, and snack until 5:00 PM.
Weekly: Food literacy with take-home hampers.
Always: Free registration, coaching, equipment, and transportation.

Free to Play creates inclusive, nurturing environments where all children—regardless of background, ability, or neurodiversity—can grow and belong.

Fueling Kids Through Food Literacy and Security

Food to Play addresses food insecurity by integrating nutrition education into Free Play’s after-school programming. Children take part in a weekly food literacy class where they learn foundational food knowledge, dietary habits, and lifestyle habits. In the food literacy class, they learn how to make a recipe and take home a food hamper with ingredients and recipes they can recreate at home. Every child also receives a daily healthy snack!

• Impact: Teaches kids critical food skills, fosters independence, and supports family food security.

Welcome to Play supports recently arrived refugee families during their first stages of resettlement in Edmonton. For children, youth, and parents in hotels or transitional housing, the program provides safe, trauma-informed daily adventures—from recreation centres to museums—that help families feel welcome and build belonging.

Children (6–12): Daily outings with games, crafts, and exploration.
Youth (12–18): Connected to leadership opportunities through Play to Lead.
Parents/Adults: Join activities and access referrals to adult programs.

We aim to reduce stress, support mental health, and create community connections through play!

Competitive Sport Meets Community & Leadership
The Wolves Athletic Club, an evolution of Free Play’s Play to Lead program, brings together youth in Grades 6–12 through organized teams in basketball, soccer, and ball and ice hockey. Competing in city-wide leagues, Wolves blend high-quality coaching with leadership development, mental health support, and pathways to employment.

Belong: Inclusive, no-judgment community.
Lead: Mentorship, youth leadership, and coaching experience.
Succeed: Resume-building, job skills, and connections to post-secondary and employment.

With 7 soccer teams, 4 ball hockey teams, 3 ice hockey teams, and 4 basketball teams, Wolves engage 300+ youth—building confidence, identity, and lifelong friendships on and off the field.