NEED TO KNOW

For generations of Edmontonians, “sports” didn’t mean a 45-minute drive to a massive suburban complex - it meant walking to the local rink or hall at the end of the block.

A new, landmark partnership between the EFCL and Sport Edmonton is officially working to bring sport back to Community Leagues, so kids can truly play close to home. 

The initiative, called Play Where You Live, was announced on March 12 at the Parkview Community League. The goal is simple but ambitious: to use the network of 163 Community Leagues to deliver consistent, high-quality sports programming directly to kids aged 10 and under. 

Why this matters now:

• Eliminating the Commute: Driving across the city for a practice is a massive barrier for busy families. This program aims to put skills-building and social play within walking distance from home. 
• Breaking Financial Barriers: By utilizing local halls and volunteer-run spaces, the partnership seeks to keep registration costs low, ensuring every child- regardless of their family's income- gets a chance to play.
• Consistency Across the City: While some Leagues already have robust programs, this partnership provides a framework to help every league offer reliable sports options.

What’s next?

Work is already underway to get programming on the ground for the summer. The partnership will also be a major focus of this year’s Community League Day in September, where residents can expect to see enhanced sports and recreation offerings 

Want to get involved? 

Keep an eye out for specific information about how your League can partner and bring the initiative to your neighborhood, and feel free to reach out to leaguesupport@efcl.org for opportunities and more information. 

We’re joining fellow Edmontonians in a huge cheer: Hawrelak Park has officially reopened! We encourage everyone to head down and explore the brand-new amenities and significantly more accessible spaces. While you’re there, be sure to warm up at the EFCL Community League Plaza. Between the cozy fireplace and heaters, you’ll find a beautiful tribute to our 105-year history through photos and stories- a true testament to the heart and soul our Leagues bring to the city.

The video below was shot to commemorate the ribbon cutting ceremony in 2020.

It is officially time to look ahead to the 2027 Community League Operating Grant (CLOG). We’ve released the updated reporting guide and submission webform to help your League secure funding for the upcoming year.

Everything you need to get started, including the step-by-step guide and the digital submission portal, can be found by visiting www.efcl.org/clog.

Please check to ensure your reporting period ends in December 2025 or January 2026- if it does, your submissions must be completed by April 30, 2026.

Need a Hand?

If you are unsure of your League’s specific reporting period or have questions about the submission process, don't guess- get in touch with the experts!

You can reach out directly to Michael Parker, EFCL Fund and Membership Administrator (Michael.Parker@efcl.org) for clarification.

We’ve got some exciting news to share! Our Equipment Rental Program is officially expanding- and we are now open for bookings from local business owners.

Why deal with the overhead of purchasing, maintaining, and storing bulky gear when you can simply rent what you need, exactly when you need it? Whether you're hosting a staff appreciation BBQ, a community activation, or a corporate pop-up, we’ve got you covered.

Why Rent With Us?

• Save Money: Keep your budget focused on your core business, not equipment depreciation.

• Simplify Logistics: Renting means less clutter and zero maintenance worries.

• Support Local: Your rental fees go directly back into supporting the EFCL and our community initiatives.

Ready to gear up? Reach out to the EFCL today to check availability and lock in your dates.

The EFCL Green Leagues program is back! We’re helping Community Leagues turn utility data into actionable savings. By sharing your 2025 bills, we can help your League:

• Lower Costs: Identify ways to slash monthly operating expenses.
• Go Green: Measure and reduce your facility’s carbon footprint.
• Advocate Smarter: Help us build a clearer picture of average League costs to better support you.
• Track Success: Quantify the impact of energy upgrades you’ve already made.

How to Submit: Please provide all pages of your natural gas and electricity bills from Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025. You can:

1. Upload via our Online Form.
2. Email files or photos to greenleagues@efcl.org.
3. Share a Google Drive link with us.

Complete your submission and our brief survey on Leagues and Environmental Sustainability by March 31, 2026, to be entered to win a $250 cash prize! (If you’ve already submitted your bills, you’re already entered!)

Have a question about your League’s hall, rink, or other amenities? Want advice on upcoming projects or funding opportunities? Shaun Good, EFCL’s Infrastructure & Amenities Advisor, is now offering Virtual Office Hours- an easy way to connect one-on-one for quick guidance or brainstorming.

How it works:

• Book a 15-30 minute session at a time that works for you.
• Meet virtually for tailored support on your League’s infrastructure and amenities questions.
• No formal agenda- just accessible advice when you need it.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• March 18 - Where Did All the Volunteers Go? Part 3
• March 24 - Breathe Easier: Air Aware Wildfire Smoke and Health Workshop
• March 31 - Avoiding the Meltdown: Spring Maintenance Planning
• April 8 - Membership Director Training
• April 16 - New Board Member Orientation
• April 22 - Hall Rentals Quarterly

GRANTS

• Deadline: March 20, 2026

ASK AN ADVISOR

Melissa Campbell

Community Activator

A: Community Leagues serve many different purposes. A core function of Leagues that can sometimes be forgotten is building connections between the members of the community. At their core, Community Leagues are about people- about fulfilling the deep human need for connection and belonging. 

Supporting these needs is beneficial on both an individual and a community level. We have all heard the startling statistics about the negative health impacts of loneliness. When we feel connected to and needed by the people around us, we have a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. 

On a broader level, when people feel connected to their neighbourhood they have a stronger sense of responsibility for it. Building relationships between neighbours results in people getting involved. One of the most common problems leagues reach out to the EFCL for support with is getting more volunteers & board members. The solution is simple (but not easy): build a sense of connection and belonging in your community.

Learn about this and more at the upcoming workshop: Where Did All the Volunteers Go? Volunteering as Belonging on April 28 (add link or whatever)

This can also be done through helping neighbours connect at the block level. Here are two resources to help your League do that:

• Supporting Block Parties in Your Community
• Start a Block Connector Program

EFCL NEWS