Why we do what we do best?

(Children Sports Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash) Many young athletes dream of playing sports, but far too many are left on the sidelines due to a lack of mentorship and financial support. Without positive role models or the means to afford equipment and fees, talented youth often drop out of sports before reaching high school. About 70% of kids quit organized sports by age 13 ( AAP Calls Out Causes of Overuse Injuries & Burnout in Youth Sports - HealthyChildren.org ) – a crisis driven partly by kids feeling unsupported or out of place. These dropouts aren't just missing games; they're losing out on the proven lifelong benefits of sports, from health and teamwork to leadership skills. Financial barriers are one of the biggest challenges. One-third of children in Canada never enroll in organized sports largely because of cost (Underserviced Youth: Sports Participation Barriers and Best Practices - The Sport Information Resource Centre), and even those who start may have to quit as expenses rise at higher levels. A recent report found 44% of parents can't afford sports registration for their kids (CSRWire - Return to Sport: Rising Costs the Main Barrier to Sport Access for Canadian Kids). The fallout is serious: when kids can't play, they become less physically active and confident, and parents report their children becoming less fit (42%) and more anxious (41%) due to missing out (CSRWire - Return to Sport: Rising Costs the Main Barrier to Sport Access for Canadian Kids). Youth from low-income families with no support risk falling behind in adolescence and carrying those setbacks into adulthood. By contrast, children participating in sports gain not just medals but life skills – 95% of Fortune 500 executives were high school athletes, and 96% of high school dropouts never played sports (Importance of Youth Sports Statistics | Athlete Assessments). The message is clear: the opportunity to play can shape a child's future. Lack of mentorship is another silent struggle. Young athletes thrive when they have coaches and mentors to guide them; without that guidance, they can feel lost or unmotivated. Research shows that having a mentor makes a huge difference – for example, youth with mentors are 81% more likely to participate regularly in sports or extracurricular activities (Mentoring Impact. Connect with a Young Person | Mentor) and 55% more likely to go on to college (Mentoring Impact. Connect with a Young Person | Mentor). They also avoid risky behaviors that can derail their lives. Unfortunately, not every child has a mentor to turn to. Many girls, newcomers, and marginalized youth lack role models "like them" in sports, which can make them feel they don't belong (Underserviced Youth: Sports Participation Barriers and Best Practices - The Sport Information Resource Centre) (Underserviced Youth: Sports Participation Barriers and Best Practices - The Sport Information Resource Centre). These gaps in support lead to lower confidence and early dropouts, robbing youth of the chance to grow through athletics. The Sports Development Foundation (SDF) was created to break these barriers. We are a Calgary-based non-profit dedicated to empowering youth through sports, regardless of their financial situation or background. SDF provides free mentorship, funding, and scholarships to help young athletes chase their dreams. With SDF's support, a child who couldn't afford new skates or tournament fees can get the equipment and grants they need to stay in the game. We pair kids with experienced mentors who coach sports skills, teamwork, resilience, and goal-setting. We aim to build leaders on and off the field by investing in each child's potential. SDF is deeply committed to inclusivity and diversity – our programs reach girls and boys of all communities, and we actively ensure that every youth feels seen and supported. Seeing diverse role models in sport inspires kids to excel (Underserviced Youth: Sports Participation Barriers and Best Practices - The Sport Information Resource Centre), so we work hard to foster a welcoming environment for all. Whether it's hockey or cricket, dance or basketball, if a young person has a passion, SDF is here to champion them. Our mission goes beyond trophies; we're shaping confident, community-minded adults. Our commitment to youth goes hand-in-hand with a commitment to community and the environment. SDF believes that developing great athletes and leaders also means encouraging social responsibility. We empower our youth to make Calgary a better, greener place. One of our flagship initiatives is an advocacy program for waste reduction and recycling. In a recent project, SDF mentors helped a group of student-athletes launch a recycling drive in their neighborhood – collecting bottles, educating households about recycling, and raising funds for sports programs through bottle donations. Through efforts like these, our youth learn that leadership isn't only shown on the scoreboard, but also in caring for their community. We weave environmental education into our sports camps and workshops, teaching young athletes about Calgary's recycling system and why it matters. Did you know the City of Calgary's Blue Cart program has recycled over 785 million kilograms of material in the past 13 years (Calgary recycling facts)? Or that the city aims to divert 70% of waste from landfills by 2025 (Calgary Waste Management: Simplified - Black Atlantic)? Our youth learn these facts and become ambassadors for change. They've taken initiative by setting up recycling bins at local games and spreading the word that nearly 90% of everyday waste could be recycled or composted, even though more than half currently ends up in landfills (Waste Reduction and Diversion | Office of Institutional Commitments – Sustainability | University of Calgary). By blending sports with sustainability, SDF is helping young Calgarians develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their city. Our athletes are making a difference from the ice rink to the recycling bin. In all we do, SDF is driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. With the right support, a shy youngster can become a team captain, a struggling student can become a successful graduate, and a local initiative can spark a city-wide impact. We are proud of the resilient, compassionate young leaders we work with daily. By tackling barriers and expanding opportunities, SDF is building stronger athletes and a stronger community for Calgary's future. Together, we're proving that when youth are given the tools to succeed, there's no limit to what they can achieve.