The Ontario government is investing $480,000 to help more women and girls take part in sports across the province.
The funding will support The Next Play Program, run by Canadian Women & Sport. The program helps community groups offer affordable and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities. Officials say the new funding will support nearly 3,500 girls.
Neil Lumsden says the goal is to remove barriers and give more young women the chance to get involved in sports. He adds that with more professional women’s leagues growing in Ontario, there are now more opportunities for girls to follow a path in athletics.
Since 2022, The Next Play Program has worked with 270 organizations and helped close to 10,000 girls get involved in sports. The program focuses on building skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The announcement comes as excitement builds around women’s sports in Ontario, including the upcoming launch of the Toronto Tempo, which is set to begin its first season on May 8, 2026.
