At First Tee – Canada, we value inclusivity and acceptance. There are many impactful ways you can make your golf course a more inclusive environment to everyone that visits.
Offer diverse programming
Provide a variety of programs or events for different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This includes golf programming for youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, specific tee times throughout the week for beginners, and encouraging women’s participation through women’s leagues or tournaments.
Get involved with your community
Build connections with local schools, community groups and organizations nearby to promote golf. This helps introduce golf and encourages participation among a range of individuals – from youth to retired folks who may have not thought of golf as a sport for them.
Provide accessible facilities
To ensure that everyone feels welcomed and accommodated at your course, restrooms, parking and walkways should be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Many courses also have gender neutral washrooms available.
Educate your staff
Provide education on diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued when they visit your course. At First Tee – Canada, we require all staff, coaches and volunteers to complete the Respect Group training program, as well as upholding Safe Sport Policies.
Provide affordable options
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of enjoying the game. Offering equipment rentals, affordable lessons, and special membership packages such as family rates or student rates are all options that can contribute to a more inclusive course.
Promote diversity
Highlight a diverse range of golfers, coaches, and staff at your course and through your online channels. In addition, think of ways your course can celebrate or acknowledge days of diversity such as pride month.
Get involved with First Tee – Canada
Become a Program Location
First Tee is offered at golf courses across the country. If you’re interested in becoming a program location, click here (https://firstteecanada.ca/chapters/).
Green Fees Grow the Game
In a few simple steps, you can support your community by adding a $1 donation to each green fee. Learn more about how to get started: https://firstteecanada.ca/greenfees/
Trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. However, it can also be intimidating. While First Tee – Canada aims to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable heading into your first session.
Here’s what you can expect:
A warm welcome
From the moment you arrive, expect to be greeted by a friendly First Tee coach and/or volunteer. Coaches are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported.
As part of First Tee – Canada’s commitment to safety, all First Tee – Canada coaches and volunteers receive background checks and must complete Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training. In addition, First Tee – Canada coaches are trained and certified by the joint efforts of First Tee and the PGA of Canada.
Golf equipment and attire are not necessary
Come as you are! We provide appropriate junior golf equipment and encourage kids to wear whatever they feel most confident in. We recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes.
Our coaches modify the equipment and activities based on age level and skill. Some participants or sessions start with plastic clubs and tennis balls to ensure a safe environment, then work their way up to feeling comfortable with golf irons and balls.
Intro to basic golf skills
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of golf in a fun and interactive setting. From gripping the club to mastering the swing, our coaches are there every step of the way to provide guidance and encouragement.
The First Tee program incorporates many other sports and games into sessions. For example, using unique versions of bowling or tic-tac-toe to teach chipping, putting speed, and distance control.
Life skills integration
First Tee – Canada is more than a golf program. We aim to provide kids with tools for success both on and off the course. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.
To achieve this, we incorporate a life lesson or skill into every session. For instance, if the life skill or theme of the month is honesty, the coach will discuss the importance of honest scoring and have teams keep track of their score during a game or competition. Participants will discuss amongst the group why honesty is so important in the game of golf and at school and home.
Empowering environment
Coaches and volunteers are there to offer guidance, support, and plenty of high fives. Here at First Tee – Canada, we celebrate every milestone no matter how small.
Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids can feel nervous during their first session. We like to remind them that every golfer was once a beginner! We all start somewhere.
What’s next?
How do you stay connected after your child loved their experience with First Tee – Canada? Sign up for our newsletter for updates and visit your chapter’s registration page to find spring, summer, and fall programming near you.
If your child is ready for a round of golf, check out Youth on Course to learn more about courses near you that offer $5 subsidized rounds for children under 18.
“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.” (George Dei, Canadian Professor)
In Canada, one in 66 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people and the world around them. It can affect body language, social interactions and relationships, and sensory processing. (Autism Ontario)
Creating a welcoming, safe, and empowering environment for children from all backgrounds and abilities is a priority for staff across the country. At the core of First Tee’s mission is inclusion.
First Tee – Canada partners with youth organizations across the country to provide all children with the opportunity to play golf in a welcoming environment.
“One in 30 children in BC are on the spectrum,” said Jake Winn, Senior Manager of Programs, Canucks Autism Network. “By joining forces with First Tee, we’re giving kids an opportunity to try something new and discover a sport that they may have never tried before. Programs like First Tee broaden the horizons for children on the autism spectrum.”
The Canucks Autism Network provides year-round programming for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum across BC. Their programs for children aged three to 12 focus on sports and recreation so they were thrilled to add golf to their portfolio of offerings.
“We love the fact that First Tee lessons are adaptable,” said Winn. “We can change games on the fly depending on the group and alter tasks and challenges per athlete. It’s not a one size fits all. It’s customizable and accessible for each participant to be engaged.”
First Tee – BC Coach Tyler McKay has been leading the programming efforts.
“Tyler knew how to interact with the kids and instilled confidence in the participants and their families,” said First Tee – BC Program Manager, Scott Stefani. “The feedback from parents and Canucks Autism Network staff was overwhelmingly positive. To see our team and the First Tee program itself create a buzz around our sport and make children excited to play golf is so exciting.”
The positive response from parents and participants is a testament to the importance of a dedicated coach, and First Tee – Canada has no shortage of those.
Similarly, on the east coast, First Tee – Atlantic’s coaches are also offering golf to children with exceptionalities.
First Tee – Atlantic partnered with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, thanks to the efforts of Coach Wayne Allen and his daughter Coach Rosie Allen, Golf Canada’s 2023 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award recipient.
The father-daughter duo has made a significant impact on children in their community of Corner Brook, Newfoundland over the last two years, and have gone above and beyond to create environments where all feel welcome.
In addition to obtaining a First Tee coach certification, coach Wayne completed Ernie Els’ #GameOn Autism Golf Program training, which is infused with evidence-based practices for teaching golf to people with ASD.
The time and effort put into this partnership have not gone unnoticed.
A parent of a participant left positive feedback for Coach Wayne. “Thank you for making a space for these kiddos to come together and belong to something. They are often left out of mainstream sports.”
Coaches like Wayne are proudly paving the way for a more inclusive sport across Canada.
Today, and every day, First Tee – Canada celebrates diversity and believes children of all abilities deserve to feel safe, empowered, and welcome in the sport of golf.
According to the Canadian Women & Sport National Study, one in three girls will drop out of sports by adolescence – three times more likely than boys – and over 60 percent of adolescent girls are not participating in any kind of sport. Some of the most common barriers preventing girls from trying, and staying, in sports are low confidence, not feeling welcomed, and perceived lack of skill.
That is where First Tee – Canada steps in. First Tee is delivered in three settings—golf courses, schools, and community centres, with over 70 percent of programming offered at no cost to participants. The goal is to introduce children, especially those who may have otherwise not had the chance or interest, to golf and through a life-skills-focused curriculum, foster the continued development of skills like confidence and perseverance.
First Tee – Canada has six chapters operating programming in every province. Since launching in 2021, over 80,000 Canadian youth have been introduced to golf through First Tee – Canada. In 2023, nearly 40 percent of participants identified as female and nearly 50 percent identified as BIPOC.
What sets First Tee apart from other junior golf programming is not its focus on building life and golf skills simultaneously, instead, it is the effort made in communities to provide accessible and inviting pathways to the sport for equity-deserving groups including girls, BIPOC communities, newcomers, and individuals with exceptionalities and disabilities.
First Tee staff are intentional when onboarding new program locations and forming relationships with community organizations that serve the surrounding communities.
“Our goal is to build a community hub of First Tee programming offered at a golf course and nearby schools and community centres,” said First Tee – Ontario Program Manger, Amaya Athill. “Most of the time, we are responsible for a child’s first time on a golf course. We partner with a community organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters or a school in an identified deserving area and host ‘try-golf’ events for children to create a positive association to the sport.”
In 2023, First Tee – Canada held nearly 200 chapter-led events including try-golf days or school field trips, some of which were all-girls events, including participants and coaches.
“These events are so important,” said Athill. “We are striving to ensure folks, especially those in underrepresented groups, feel golf is a sport for them. We found that hosting all-girls events helps break down barriers that would typically prevent girls from trying golf. It is an even playing field where most, if not all participants are trying golf for the first time, they are surrounded by positive female coaches and role models, and most importantly the focus is to just have fun.”
On the east coast, First Tee – Atlantic plans to host at least one all-girls event per Atlantic province this summer with all-female coaches and volunteers. Emily Nickerson, First Tee – Atlantic Program Coordinator is spearheading this chapter’s initiative that was made possible through the generous support of the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation.
She plans to collaborate with organizations to introduce golf and incorporate a workshop or activity outside of golf, too. For example, First Tee – Atlantic has partnered with She is Active New Brunswick, which will provide a confidence-building exercise for the participants during their event(s) in NB. Additionally, Nickerson’s goal for these events is to ensure the girls leave excited to try golf again. She hopes to provide more participation opportunities through First Tee programming or range passes to courses in their area, for example.
“Best case scenario, a few girls enjoy themselves so much they enroll in other First Tee programming, continuing to develop their skills and become golfers for life,” said Nickerson. “Or the girls learn something new about themselves, they meet a new friend, have a coach to look up to, or apply what they learned to another sport or at school. Any of that is still a win in my books. If we can make a positive impact on even one girl and encourage her to stick with golf or any sport, I’m happy.”
That is where First Tee – Canada stands out. It is a program led by staff, coaches and volunteers who understand the power of sports and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to try golf, to believe they fit in, and trust there is space for them in the sport.
“This is more than a golf program,” said Nickerson. “It’s changing the future of golf. I hope one day, you won’t feel judged being a woman on the golf course. Judged for playing ‘too slow’, what you’re wearing, or how your swing looks ‘for a girl’. I hope through First Tee and our focus on female participation, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and comfortable environment for girls and women in golf.”
Multi-year gift will positively impact youth across the maritime provinces through affordable and inclusive access to golf
FEBRUARY 29, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce that the Hewitt Foundation has pledged a major gift of $1.35M CAD that directly benefits First Tee – Atlantic.
The Hewitt Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that was established in 2017 at the time of the sale of Hewitt Equipment Limited and Atlantic Tractors and Equipment. Hewitt Equipment was founded in 1952 by the late Robert Hewitt. Jim Hewitt and the Hewitt family created the Foundation to help bring meaningful and sustainable social, economic, and cultural change by granting, investing, and collaborating with other organizations, partners, and the public.
“We are proud to support organizations that are bettering the lives of Canadians through healthy, active living and education. We understand the values that the game of golf can provide and are aligned with First Tee’s mission to provide environments that foster inner confidence, perseverance, and honesty through sport,” said Hewitt Foundation CEO, Kim Anderson. “The Maritimes are especially important to us. Hewitt Equipment operated in these provinces for 65 years, so it is special to continue that legacy and support the communities that helped make the Hewitt family business successful.”
Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada and provide youth with affordable and inclusive access to golf along with life-enhancing experiences through the game. First Tee – Atlantic launched in 2022 and as of 2024, six chapters are operating First Tee – Canada programming in every province.
First Tee is delivered in three settings, golf courses, schools, and community centres with unique curriculums and training for each. Last year, First Tee – Atlantic delivered programming to nearly 11,500 participants at 54 program locations across all four provinces, with a team of three staff and 20 certified First Tee coaches. Nearly 40 percent of participants identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour), and 52 percent identified as female. Through the support of donors like the Hewitt Foundation, 72 percent of programming was provided at no cost to participants.
“The generosity of the Hewitt Foundation has helped accelerate the growth and impact made in communities across the Atlantic,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “This financial support allows us to onboard program locations, train coaches, provide program equipment kits, and most importantly, provide affordable and accessible introductory golf programming to children. The work we do would not be possible without the support of donors like the Hewitt Foundation.”
Through its deep network of donors, Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in supporting the advancement of First Tee – Canada chapters across the country through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.
“The Hewitt Foundation, alongside many other generous donors, is the reason we have positively impacted over 85,000 youth across Canada,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO, Martin Barnard. “We are committed to the same mission – providing empowering opportunities to children through sport and ensuring golf participation more closely reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. Together, we are building game changers.”
The generosity of the Hewitt Foundation adds to a growing number of significant donations that have been secured since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020.
About the Hewitt Foundation The Hewitt Foundation is a private Canadian foundation established in 2017 at the time of the sale of Hewitt Equipment Limited and Atlantic Tractors & Equipment. Hewitt Equipment was founded in 1952 by the late Robert Hewitt. Jim Hewitt, and the Hewitt family, had a desire to continue their legacy of giving back to the communities around them. This led to establishing one of Canada’s largest private charitable foundations. The Hewitt Foundation’s purpose is to help bring about meaningful and sustainable social, economic and cultural change by granting, investing and collaborating with other organizations and partners and with the public.
About First Tee – Canada First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating under Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.
About Golf Canada Foundation The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, granting more than $4.5 million to golf programs in 2022, and $19 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception in 1979. The Foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanadafoundation.com/.
About Golf Canada Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 341,000 golfers and 1,505 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s vision is to be a world leader in golf and achieving the mission to increase Canadian participation and excellence For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca/
Media Contact: Madelyn Boelhouwer | Manager, Marketing and Communications First Tee – Canada | Golf Canada | [email protected]
Integrating the game of golf with life skills for children
Susan Hay (Global News) visited with First Tee – Ontario participants at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto. These summer camp excursions in collaboration with community groups within the area introduce children to golf and the learning experiences that come along with the sport.
Thanks to our special network of supporters who believe in First Tee’s mission and help us positively impact children through golf across the country.
Sue has been golfing for 25 years. She is the President-elect and sits on the board of Golf Manitoba and used to run Golf in Schools programming. Sue completed the First Tee coach training in the spring of 2022 and started coaching First Tee sessions last fall. In her off-season, Sue has been introducing golf to children in grades one to six through First Tee programming at schools near her home course, Whitewater GC. Over the six weeks, Sue saw children build their skills, confidence, and excitement for the game.
Fiona is the face of First Tee – Atlantic program offerings at two locations, the YMCA Recreational Center and the (YPHD) Youth Physical Healthy Development after school program at an elementary school. They serve the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) area which is the largest urban center in the Martimes and the second fastest growing city in Canada, being one of the most diverse and multicultural municipalities in the Atlantic region. Fiona has been an avid golfer for six years, so she aspires to make golf more accessible and welcoming, hoping to have a role in a more diverse future for golf.
First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course will provide greater access to the game for 10,000 youth by end of 2023
TORONTO, May 16, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, RBC and Golf Canada are excited to welcome 18 new golf course sites to RBC Community Junior Golf, which provides affordable access to the game for underrepresented groups and socio-economically disadvantaged youth in Canada. The newly selected sites join fifteen returning courses from the 2022 inaugural season, which engaged nearly 6,000 young people in communities across Canada.
RBC Community Junior Golf enables the implementation of First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course programming at accessible municipal and public golf courses and helps create pathways to the game at nearby schools and communities. The courses were selected based on accessibility to local public transit as well as proximity to community centres, with an intentional focus on regional and diverse representation.
“RBC strongly believes that sport has the power to build character, provide opportunities for young people to grow and foster vibrant communities,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “We are incredibly proud of the impact RBC Community Junior Golf had in its first season and look forward to expanding our reach to enable more access to the game of golf.”
RBC Community Junior Golf Welcomes New Golf Courses:
Club de Golf Saint-Michel – Bellechase, QC
Club de Golf Bic – Rimouski, QC
Country Meadows Golf Club – Moncton, NB
Doon Valley Golf Course – Kitchener, ON
East Park Golf – London, ON
Fox Meadow Golf Course – Stratford, PEI
Glacier Greens Golf Club – Comox, BC
Golf Mentor Group – Winnipeg, MB
Highland Pacific Golf – Victoria, BC
Hollinger Golf Club – Timmins, ON
Humber River Golf Club – Deer Lake, NL
KenWo Golf Club – New Minas, NS
Kingswood Golf Course – Fredericton, NB
Lakeview Golf Course – Regina, SK
The Marshes Golf Club – Ottawa, ON
Tuxedo Golf Club – Winnipeg, MB
Roseland Golf & Curling Club – Windsor, ON
Wildwood Golf Course – Saskatoon, SK
RBC Community Junior Golf Returning Golf Courses:
Archie’s Family Golf Centre – Cornwall, ON
Blomidon Golf and Country Club – Corner Brook, NL
Cedar Hill Golf Course – Victoria, BC
Chedoke Golf Club – Hamilton, ON
Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire – Rouyn-Noranda, QC
Club de Golf Les Rivières – Trois-Rivières, QC
Humber Valley Golf Course – Etobicoke, ON
Legends on the Niagara – Niagara, ON
Mill River Golf Course – Woodstock, PEI
Peel Village Golf Course – Brampton, ON
Tam O’Shanter Golf Course – Scarborough, ON
Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course – Brantford, ON
Whitewater Golf Club – Thunder Bay, ON
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Golf: Fraserview Golf Course – Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Golf: Queen Elizabeth Park Pitch and Putt – Vancouver, BC
Each location will be equipped with First Tee instructor training, tailored lesson plans, equipment and financial support to operate at no cost to the location or participants. Additionally, each golf facility will offer Youth on Course, which provides young golfers aged six to 18 with access to subsidized rounds of golf for five dollars or less.
“RBC Community Junior Golf has played a major role in the thriving growth of First Tee and Youth on Course across Canada,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer, Golf Canada. “Their initiative will continue to expand our reach in equity-deserving communities and provide more children with life-enhancing opportunities through golf. We look forward to our partnership and commitment to ensuring that our sport reflects the diversity of Canadians.”
Canadian youth aged five to 18 years can benefit from First Tee and Youth on Course at one of the participating golf courses. RBC Community Junior Golf participating facilities work with community centres or schools in their local area to register youth participants. For more details, visit: https://www.golfcanada.ca/rbcjrgolf.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s vision is to be a world leader in golf and achieving the mission to increase Canadian participation and excellence. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit golfcanada.ca.
About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating under Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.
SOURCE RBC
For further information: Fiona Anderson, RBC, [email protected]; Madelyn Boelhouwer, Golf Canada (First Tee – Canada), [email protected]
In 2022, nearly $25,000 was raised in support of First Tee – Ontario through one simple idea: adding a dollar to each green fee.
Taboo Muskoka and Lora Bay Golf Club implemented this idea last summer through the leadership of Nigel Hollidge, Chief Executive Officer, Great Gulf Course Management and Golf Canada Foundation Board Member.
“The easiest idea we had to support First Tee was to add an extra dollar onto each green fee and explain to the golfers where that money was going and how it would directly support communities in our province,” said Hollidge. “Not a single golfer complained, in fact, they were excited to be a part of this initiative.”
On-boarding is painless, and courses can benefit from their philanthropic commitment.
“It was as simple as a journal entry at the end of every day where we allocated a dollar for every round played that day,” said Hollidge. “As a result of raising the green fee price a dollar, and given the fact we received a tax receipt, we actually improved our bottom line while giving back to the game.”
First Tee is a youth development program that provides children with life-enhancing experiences through golf. First Tee – Canada offers accessible and inclusive programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres, striving to ensure that golf reflects the diversity of Canadians.
“It was clear that First Tee helps people understand that golf isn’t just a sport, it’s a springboard into areas of life that you never thought were possible,” said Hollidge. “We’re proud to support a program that is opening doors for children through golf.”
Golf Canada partnered with First Tee to bring the program to Canada in 2020. With a recently launched chapter in the Prairies, First Tee – Canada now has five regional chapters in place including British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, and the Atlantic region.
First Tee – Canada’s nationwide success and growth since inception can be attributed to a generous network of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of sport and its ability to positively impact the lives of youth, especially those who otherwise may have not had the opportunity to play golf.
“What started out as a small idea or token of support has since turned into a community-led major fundraising opportunity,” said Sean Reczulski, Director Development, First Tee – Canada. “We are grateful to Taboo Muskoka and Lora Bay Golf Club for spearheading this initiative. We hope their commitment to giving back to their communities, especially through the game we love, inspires other courses across the country to do the same.”
Taboo Muskoka and Lora Bay Golf Club, plus the soon-to-come additional participating courses will be proudly displayed on the First Tee – Canada website in return for their support.
Click below for a simple how-to guide on how to implement this initiative.
Last year, Golf Canada introduced First Tee – Canada, an accessible and affordable youth development program that teaches life skills through the game of golf. Your donation will directly support First Tee – Canada’s growth across the country and will provide children with empowering opportunities through golf.
From now until the end of the year your gift has double the impact as it will be matched through the Charles Schwab Challenge Grant.
In 2022, First Tee – Canada operated across four provincial chapters in British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, and the Atlantic region with over 130 locations delivering programming at golf facilities, schools, and community centres to nearly 23,000 youth. The goal is to launch First Tee chapters in every region of the country by the end of 2023 and to enroll 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.
Through our generous network of supporters, we will reach more deserving youth across Canada, provide training, equipment, and activity guides to instructors, and provide financial assistance opportunities for participants. Together, we are Building Game Changers.
All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Pathways to success often depend on access to experiences and opportunities. Unfortunately, across Canada, many children all too often lack the resources or access to empowering extracurricular activities, such as sports or organized recreation.
Knowing the positive impact that sport can have on a child’s life, Golf Canada’s junior programming through First Tee strives to break down barriers to accessing the game of golf. First Tee – Canada provides inclusive youth development activities to participants as young as five years old, using golf as a vehicle to support the personal growth and confidence of children.
First Tee – Canada programming is offered at golf courses, schools, and community centres in regions across the country with specifically designed curriculum and instructor training for each of these impactful learning environments.
On traditional Musqueam First Nation territory alongside the Fraser River lies The Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy. This tree-lined golf course and driving range [in/near Vancouver, B.C.] is home to First Tee – British Columbia.
The delivery of First Tee – BC programming at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy began in the fall of 2021 and despite the program’s infancy, there has been an outpouring of positive feedback from the community.
“These kids have been using golf as an outlet, (and) feel a sense of inclusion and safety at the golf course,” says Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy General Manager Kumi Kimura. “They never knew how much fun golf was and that it [can] help as a healthy escape from [a sometimes] not so healthy world.”
Registration for 12 participant spots fills up quickly. The hour-long sessions are grouped by age, varying from seven to 12, and coached by PGA of Canada professional Kelvin Ko and First-Tee Certified Coach Jody Kinsman. Along with learning the fundamental skills of golf, children experience the opportunity to develop or further reinforce many of the life skills and values learned through sport.
Kimura shared a personal story of the opportunity First Tee – BC presented to siblings participating in the program—children who were dealing with familial troubles at home and seeking a positive outlet.
“(To) get out of the house, and still be together as siblings, they found refuge here. They fell for the game… I knew this was not something the kids could afford, however, through First Tee activities, we are beginning to support their development and provide for them as a community.”
For some children, sport can the mean the world; a positive escape where individuals learn about themselves, build confidence, understand commitment, and develop healthy habits—all values worth carrying for life. Together with the support and generosity of donors, First Tee – BC and Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy have introduced the sport of golf to children who might not have otherwise experienced the game.
@musqueamgolf Instagram
Golf has often battled a perception that the game is exclusive to the affluent. By creating “hubs” consisting of schools, community centres, and accessible golf courses within a small radius, First Tee – Canada is working to debunk that perception, one community at a time. And with a strong philanthropic community of donors supporting First Tee – Canada, many program locations provide equipment and offer registration at no cost.
In striving to be a world leader in the sport, Golf Canada is committed to changing the face of golf to better reflect the multicultural strength of the Canadian population. First Tee – Canada is providing opportunities, relationships, and experiences for children that are laying the foundation for a more diverse game.
“I believe these are stories that need to be told,” says Kimura. “Golf is no longer an elitist game, but a game for all people, in the good time and the bad.”
The relationship that First Tee – BC has created with the Musqueam community, and the positive impact on participants is a testament to the power of sport, and better yet, the future legacy of First Tee – Canada.
Colby Johannson
The program’s impact on youth is reflective of the facility’s impact in its community. The name Musqueam relates back to the flowering plant, məθkʷəy̓, which grows in the Fraser River estuary. Like flowers, children grow and develop in different ways, in a healthy, safe, enriching environment.
By virtue of the land, the collaborative efforts of First Tee – BC, Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, and the game of golf, for every flower that blooms this summer, a child will too.
For more information on how to donate to First Tee – British Columbia please visit firstteebc.ca/ or contact Development Officer Ben Neumer at [email protected].
