About the Program
One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enroll their children in sport or recreation activities. That means that many kids are missing out. The PLAY Program is dedicated to removing barriers so children can participate in organized sport and recreation. We see it as equipping kids for life, because participation in organized sport and recreation increases a child's chance for success in life. They discover and participate, gain self-confidence, develop self-esteem, learn leadership skills, and their lives become richer. This is the power of PLAY. Help us give kids a sporting chance!
Applying to the Program
The PLAY Program structure has undergone changes in recent years. Effective September 2021, children who are eligible for the program can access up to $300 per seasonal application to help play for leisure activities to a maximum of $900 per year. The seasons will include fall, winter and summer activity dispersals. Children can apply once each season. This helps to ensure we can assist more children to get or stay active throughout the year.
The number of children the program assisted has steadily risen each year from an initial 11 during its COVID initiation to 140 in 2025 (428 children since 2021 and over $96,000 in direct registration fees).
The History of the PLAY Program
The PLAY Program was initially started by the Human League Association of Sudbury. The Association was developed in 1996, by like-minded individuals who believed that all children should be given an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy physical activity and healthy, nutritious meals.
As the Human League Association continues to grow, its focus and direction has also evolved over the years. To meet these changes, the Association has undergone restructuring to their programs and systems to better align with their mission, vision, and goals. Therefore, moving forward, the Association has made the decision to give SMCF the responsibility to facilitate the PLAY Program. Nonetheless, the Human League Association will continue to assist the PLAY Program and SMCF to fundraise and develop relationships with local suppliers and businesses to ensure that the PLAY Program continues to grow and be successful.
SMCF is extremely grateful to have this opportunity to lead the PLAY Program, and will proudly carry on the Human League Associations' legacy by continuing to ensure children in need receive the funds required to have an equal opportunity to be active and participate in recreational activities. Together, we can get more kids off the sidelines and into the game!
SMCF would like to thank the Human League for creating the program, and we look forward to the continued success of this program.
