TORONTO, ON – The Greater Toronto Hockey League and KidSport Ontario are proud to announce the continued growth of their partnership for the 2026-27 season, furthering a shared commitment to removing financial barriers and helping more young athletes access hockey.
Building on the success of the partnership’s first two years, the GTHL and KidSport Ontario have renewed their commitment through an annual renewing partnership, which will continue each season. As part of the renewed agreement, the funding commitment has increased to $50,000 per organization, per season, creating a combined annual commitment of $100,000 to support eligible families.
Individual grant amounts will also increase from $600 to $800 per awarded applicant, providing additional support toward registration fees for new and returning players in GTHL house league and competitive (‘AAA,’ ‘AA,’ ‘A’) programs.
“The GTHL is proud to continue growing our partnership with KidSport Ontario and to increase the level of support available to families,” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “Reducing financial barriers remains a key priority for the GTHL, and this renewed commitment allows us to provide more meaningful assistance to young athletes and families across our communities.”
Through the partnership, the GTHL’s contribution will continue to be allocated to individual hockey grant applications, with KidSport Ontario and its local chapters administering the funds to approved applicants who meet KidSport requirements.
“Our partnership with the GTHL is having a measurable impact through a shared vision of making hockey more accessible in the GTA,” said Sara Restani, Executive Director of KidSport Ontario. “It’s through this common goal that we will continue our work to ensure that ALL kids have a chance to play with their local association.”
As part of the continued partnership, KidSport Ontario will also remain involved in key GTHL events and initiatives, further supporting the League’s efforts to grow access to the game and connect families with available financial assistance.
To learn more about KidSport Ontario and the grant application process, visit www.kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/gthl.
ABOUT KIDSPORT ONTARIO
KidSport Ontario is the provincial arm of KidSport Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process, KidSport provides grants that enable kids to play a season of sport through assistance with sport registration fees and equipment costs. KidSport believes that the power of sport participation promotes the development of children’s social, mental, and physical wellbeing.
Through increasing access to quality sport programs, KidSport strengthens communities across Canada.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League is a non-profit organization and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 30,000 annual participants across Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to empower, innovate, and provide hockey experiences that foster growth, inclusion, and excellence for all participants, while providing an enriching, equitable, and inclusive environment that benefits all members and the broader community.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Coratti
Director, Strategy and Communications
Greater Toronto Hockey League
