Calgary’s urgent need for new indoor sports facilities

Growing registrations highlight the need for more facilities

The Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) has reported a staggering 15% increase in player registrations over the past three years, reaching a total of 31,319 players across 2,027 teams. This surge in interest has created a pressing demand for indoor sports facilities, which the city is struggling to meet. CMSA executive director Carlo Bruneau expressed concern, stating, “We’re at a breaking point for facilities, facility access, and our sport.” With only three facilities available, the organization is forced to make significant compromises, including reducing the number of games and splitting indoor fields into eight sections to accommodate the influx of players.

Impact on players and teams

The lack of available field space is not just a logistical issue; it directly affects the players. Team manager Tony Hlede from the Southwest United Elite 12G team described the situation as “next to impossible” when it comes to securing field time this season. He noted that this scarcity of resources detracts from training opportunities and limits competitive growth among teams. The CMSA’s new campaign, ‘Fields for Our Future’, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for investment in indoor facilities, emphasizing that the current situation is unsustainable.

City’s response and future plans

In response to the growing demand, Calgary city officials have acknowledged the need for more indoor and outdoor field spaces, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Plans are underway for three new facilities to open by 2027, including a dome at the Calgary Soccer Centre and a new athletic park in Rocky Ridge. However, these developments are still in the planning and design phases, leaving many in the sports community anxious for immediate solutions. Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal has suggested constructing a seasonal dome over an existing turf field at the Genesis Centre as a temporary measure, although he cautioned that such projects involve complex logistics and significant costs.

Collaborative efforts for a sustainable solution

Alberta’s Tourism and Sport minister, Joseph Schow, has indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding grant funding and facility expansion. The CMSA views this moment as pivotal for the city, stressing the importance of collaboration between government and private entities to create sustainable sports infrastructure. Bruneau pointed out the challenges of establishing private facilities due to high capital costs, underscoring the necessity for government investment to realize a comprehensive vision for Calgary’s sports landscape.