YMCA Calgary offers girls-only programs to provide a safe and supportive environment for girls to have fun and build confidence through sport and physical activity.
Across the country, adolescent and teen girls are dropping out of sport and physical activity at alarming rates. According to Statistics Canada, only eight percent of girls ages 12-17 meet national standards for physical activity and research shows girls’ participation in sports and physical activity begins to decline as early as age 10. YMCA Calgary girls-only programs are designed to address barriers to participation, creating safe spaces where girls can stay active, connect with peers, and build resilience, leadership, and confidence.
Register for a Program
Explore and register for girls-only program opportunities through our member portal below. Program offerings, dates, and times vary by location and are updated seasonally.
Girls Only Basketball
We offer U7, U9, U11, U13, and U16 Girls Basketball Skill Development programs and Basketball leagues.
Fit and Female Strength and Fitness
Balanced exercise programs for girls ages 10-13 and 14-17 to gain confidence on the weight floor and learn the difference between fitness myths and facts.
Girls Open Indoor Climbing
Drop-in open climbing appointments reserved for girls ages 10-17.
Esports All Girls
Coming Soon!
Our Community Partners
#ActiveGirlsCampaign
YMCA Calgary is part of a coalition of local youth-serving organizations that are working together to increase girls’ participation in sports. Click here to learn more.
Calgary Wild FC Partnership
YMCA Calgary has partnered with Calgary Wild FC to expand access to sport, inspire girls’ participation in physical activity, and connect youth in our community with professional women athletes. Click here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research shows that girls face many social, personal, environmental, and economic barriers to participation in sports and physical activity. Girls-only programs have been shown to increase participation rates and support positive outcomes including increased confidence, improved physical health, leadership development, teamwork skills, and stronger social connections.
At YMCA Calgary, no one is turned away based on ability to pay. We provide financial assistance to those who wish to register for membership, programs, or camps, but cannot afford the full fee. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more details and to apply for financial assistance.
No. Programs are designed for all skill levels, from beginners trying a sport for the first time to experienced athletes looking to develop their abilities.
Co-ed programs remain important and we offer these too! Girls-only programs provide an additional option for girls who experience barriers to participation in co-ed settings.
We’re committed to growing girls-only sport and recreation opportunities across Calgary. As we continue to learn from participants, families, and community partners, we will explore opportunities to expand programs to additional locations, days, and times. Expansion depends on factors such as participant demand, facility availability, and instructor capacity. We encourage you to check back regularly, as new programs may be added throughout the year.