Article written by FSQ’s Director of Sport, Matt Young
For years, the “pay-to-play” system has been a point of frustration for participants, families and community leaders. Its premise is simple: if you can afford to pay, your child will have access to better facilities, training and opportunities to ‘be seen’. If you can’t, the doors seem to close, leaving countless talented kids out of the system. The question that often arises is, “How do kids get seen if they don’t subscribe to that system?”
The answer isn’t necessarily hidden in more academies, community clubs, or travel teams—it lies in an often overlooked institution: school sports.
Before the rise of elite academies and specialized clubs, schools were the original entry point for kids into organized sport. It was the gym teachers, school coaches and athletic departments that introduced students to athletics, fostering both physical literacy and a love of sports. The beauty of school sports is that it’s inherently a more equitable system. By design, it’s a melting pot, where kids from all economic backgrounds play together on the same teams. The only true requirement for participation is a willingness to try, work hard and show up.
But as the rise of academies, clubs and community programs gained momentum, schools became less of a focal point for sport development and over time, the system deteriorated.
Much like community sport associations that have long complained about losing talent to academies, schools have also whined about the same thing. But here’s the key problem: instead of leveling up and investing in quality coaching and infrastructure, many schools allowed themselves to become increasingly irrelevant.
To be fair, at the heart of this shift was an intense focus on academic achievement—reading, writing and arithmetic—driven by the increasing pressure of meeting entrance standards for post-secondary education. Schools have prioritized academic benchmarks, placing a premium on standardized test scores and grades, which has resulted in a narrow view of student success. This hyperfocus on academics has often come at the expense of other essential aspects of a well-rounded education, with less time and resources dedicated to developing broader skills like creativity, critical thinking and personal growth.
Additionally, budget cuts often affect physical education the most, removing specialist leadership in schools and leaving athletic development to those without the training or passion to nurture young talent. As a result, school sports programs became marginalized, overshadowed by the allure and professionalism of club sports.
You can tell me the pay-to-play system is a challenge to circumnavigate, but do not tell me it can’t be done. We’ve done it before and we can do it again.
Reviving school sports as a legitimate developmental pathway requires systemic change. Schools must refocus on hiring specialized educators and coaches who are passionate and knowledgeable about both physical education and sport. They need to prioritize developing physical literacy at an early age—teaching kids how to move well, enjoy physical activity and build a foundation for future sports participation.
There also needs to be a concerted effort to hold schools accountable for providing quality phsycial education and sporting experiences. Quality daly physical activity is legislated across many provinces, without the accountability measures to ensure it is delivered. This also includes building comprehensive, well-funded school sports programs that cater to all students, not just the elite participants. With proper leadership, schools can become hubs of athletic development once again, providing a free and accessible entry point for young athletes.
To ensure a future where school sports thrive again and provide equitable opportunities for all children, three critical steps must be taken.
- Reinvest in School Sports Infrastructure: The first step is reinvesting in school sports programs at every level, from elementary to high school. This means allocating funding for quality facilities, and equipment and most importantly, hiring trained and passionate educators and coaches. School sports must become a priority again, not just an afterthought.
- Develop a Dual Pathway System: The second critical step is recognizing the value of a dual pathway system where school sports coexist alongside clubs and academies. By creating strong, well-supported school sports programs, we offer an alternative development route that doesn’t require thousands of dollars in fees. This dual system allows more children to thrive and grow, offering pathways for everyone, from grassroots to elite participants.
- Shift the Cultural Mindset: A cultural shift is needed in how we view schools—not just as places of academic learning but as key players in holistic development. Schools can play a vital role in building strong, healthy and confident young people through sport. This shift requires leadership, accountability and a commitment to making physical education a priority again.
It’s time we reclaim school sports, ensuring every child has the chance to thrive— in sport and in life. Not just those who can afford it.