Formed in 1991, Sport Central was created by community-minded individuals who wanted to to make sports equipment available to kids ages 4-17 who may not have access or opportunity across Edmonton, central and northern Alberta. As a volunteer driven, Alberta-based charitable organization, Sport Central provides sports equipment to kids at no cost. Generous donations of gently used equipment and volunteer time by Edmonton and area residents help make this one of Alberta’s most cost effective charities. Sport Central collects gently used sport equipment, refurbishes & repairs, and then redistributes the equipment (including bikes) so every kid has the chance to play or participate.

Sport Central provides equipment for over twenty different sports and activities, making them accessible to kids – many for the first time. The mental, physical, and social benefits of being active are invaluable.

Kids can participate in Sport Central’s exchange program: as the kids outgrow their equipment, they can bring it back in and exchange for the next size.

With your help spreading the word about Sport Central, you too are changing lives through sport!

Recognizing the need for a storefront facility near neighbourhoods in need, Sport Central founders rented the former Highland Sports building on what is now Wayne Gretzky Drive. The building purchase was finalized in January 1998 with help from a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant. A decade later, in dire need of more space, Sport Central bought the former BMC Automatic Transmissions Centre located directly north across 119 Avenue, again with provincial support from the Major Community Facilities Enhancement Program.

Even before the first child walked in the door, Sport Central became a gathering spot for sports alumni and other volunteers—a Hot Stove League of willing hands. Led by a General Manager and several key individuals, they made things happen: renovations, transportation, gear sorting and repair, fitting kids, fundraising. And they have fun. Going far beyond the call of duty on behalf of kids, they were a walking testimony of the strong spirit of volunteerism for which Edmonton is known.

The original Hot Stove League has aged nearly twenty-five years since the doors opened. New recruits stoke the fire but more help is always needed.

As Sport Central becomes more widely recognized as a sports equipment donation and distribution centre for kids in need, Sport Central can now serve more children—if the hands are there to do it.