Formed in 1991, Sport Central was created by community-minded individuals who wanted to see children in need have access to necessary sport equipment. As a volunteer driven, Alberta-based charitable organization, Sport Central provides sports equipment at no cost to kids in need. 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. Since it’s inception, Sport Central has provided over 180,000 low-income kids with safe gear, enabling them to participate in the sport of their choice.

Our mascot—the Yardley Jones Kid—has been with us since the beginning, and although we now have a new look and logo, he still represents the kids, their families and the communities we serve.

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.