Hello everyone,

Happy Spring! We are excitedly writing to you today to share community recreation and sport updates for Antigonish.

But firstly, we want to thank all the volunteers in the community who work tirelessly to bring many these opportunities to life! We know the amount of effort your are putting in right now and will continue to until season's end! We appreciate you. 

In this letter you will find:

  1. PlayFinder Update (transition from Sport Hub to PlayFinder coming soon)
  2. Tax Receipts Available
  3. Recreation Updates from Town & County Rec Departments
  4. Local Sport Opportunities - On PlayFinder (Hub)
  5. Local Sport - Registration on Other Platforms
  6. Recreation Opportunities - Registration on Other Platforms 

With any questions, either contact an organization directly or email support@playfinder.ca

 

1. PlayFinder Update

Spring registrations will be taking place on mysporthub.ca as usual. In the coming months Sport Hub is undergoing a restructure and rebranding and transitioning to PlayFinder. 

What does this mean for you?

We are excited about this new chapter and believe that PlayFinder will offer an even better experience for all members with more information and opportunities than ever. If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is here to help, Support@PlayFinder.ca. And if you’re an organization or facility in the community interested in becoming part of PlayFinder, reach out!



2. Tax Receipts

With tax season here, we know many of you will be looking for receipts for Sport/Rec participation for your family in 2024! For any programming registered for via Sport Hub, this can be found (self-serve) via your family fees tab on your profile, go to fee details and click the "Email Tax Statement" button and a 2024 summary of participation with that organization will be sent to your email inbox and can be used for tax credit purposes.

 

3. Recreation Updates

SURVEY

Please take a moment to fill out this survey about Equipment Loan and Summer Camps. Your feedback will help Antigonish County Recreation shape inclusive and accessible recreation opportunities for our community.

SUMMER CAMPS

Day Camps offered by both Town and County recreation departments are currently being planned! More information to come around mid-April! Keep an eye out on the County’s Facebook page and the Town’s Facebook page.

SWIM LESSONS

The next session of swim lessons is due to start at the end of April! Registration to open mid April. Please keep an eye out on the County’s Facebook Page for updates.

SWIM INSTRUCTORS

We are ALWAYS looking for swim instructors. Please contact recreation@antigonishcounty.ca  for more information if you are interested in becoming a Swim Instructor!

If you currently hold a Lifesaving Swim for Life certification and wish to join our team, contact us for an employment application.

If you wish to become a Swim Instructor and are 15 years of age or older, please call us at 902-863-1141 or email recreation@antigonishcounty.ca to find out more about becoming a swim instructor.

The Swim Instructor Course focuses on preparing candidates to instruct the Lifesaving Swim for Life Programs.  Candidates focus on strategies to introduce and develop fitness activities, skills and water safety, and swimming skills.

Steps to becoming a swim instructor:

Courses are routinely being offered at St.FX Alumni Centre. Interested in taking a course? Please reach out to amyleigh.george@antigonishcounty.ca 

Free training is available for Antigonish Town & County residents who meet the following eligibility criteria:

 
ANTIGONISH SCOTIABANK MINI-PITCH

The Municipality of the County of Antigonish along with the Town of Antigonish are excited to announce the completion of the Antigonish Scotiabank Mini-Pitch located on Appleseed Drive. The courts are now available for public use with a grand opening scheduled for June 2025.

This exciting project is made possible through a generous donation from Scotiabank and the collaboration of several partners, including the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, which contributed $500,000 and the Town of Antigonish, which contributed $300,000, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, which contributed $150,000 and the Strait Regional Centre for Education which donated the land.

The Antigonish Scotiabank Mini-Pitch is a shared recreational space for drop-in free play. It features a sport tile surface, with side panels, soccer goals and basketball hoops, and additional space for free play. Strategically located near local schools and neighbourhoods, the mini-pitch is designed to be accessible and inclusive for families, children, and youth of all abilities.

MAKE YOUR MOVE ANTIGONISH

MYMA encourages you to take a few minutes every day to move – simple, natural, everyday movements. We look to support environments that can motivate people to add some movement to their day. We want people to start thinking differently about movement – it is a behaviour change – it is a cultural shift – it is a social movement in movement – it is a lifestyle.

When movement becomes a part of our life, it supports our health and overall wellbeing and most of all - it makes you feel good!

To date we have inspired many people to add movement to their day and we hope to continue the shift. We are looking for more people to take a leading role – to champion MYMA. How can you encourage simple, everyday movement with the people in your life?

MYMA is here to support…Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about how you can join the movement…

Connect with MYMA: https://makeyourmoveantigonish.ca/, https://www.facebook.com/makeyourmoveantigonish/

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  1. KidSport provides grants to kids (18 years old or younger) for families facing financial barriers so they can participate in registered sport programs. Our local chapter, KidSport Antigonish, provides grants of up to $500 per eligible kid, per year (January 1 - December 31) towards sport registration and equipment fees. To apply for a grant please visit https://kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia/antigonish/ or contact Denise Fougere at (902) 863-1141 or by email at denise.fougere@antigonishcounty.ca.
  2. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a community-based charitable program for families facing financial barriers to cover children’s sport or recreation registration fees. Applications are accepted and reviewed six times a year. Application deadlines are: Jan 1, Mar 1, May 1, Jul 1, Sep 1, Oct 1, & Nov 1. To apply, please print, complete, and submit the application form found on the County website: https://recreation.antigonishcounty.ca/funding-programs/
  3. The Jax Mac Foundation was started to honor the memory of Jaxon MacDonald. Grants have been created to further Jaxon's legacy by helping young ambitious individuals gain valuable experience and opportunities through his passion in sports, entrepreneurship, and travel. For more info, view the website. Click here to Apply or click here to Donate. 
  4. Bonvie MacDonald Rinks to Links offers funding support for Hockey participants and also offers a community grant program. The Rinks to Links Golf Classic continues to be our way of giving back to our community. With your help, we carry on our commitment to raising funds for boys and girls who cannot afford the high cost of playing minor hockey. Additional beneficiaries of the tournament have included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Antigonish Early Childhood Intervention, Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation, the Jordon Myles Foundation, and St. Martha’s Hospital Pediatric Department. For more information visit their website. 
  5. Gary Boone Leadership Development Fund provides financial assistance to new initiatives in leadership training development which result in: Increased involvement in physical activity leadership roles and skills of community recreation and sport leaders. Examples of eligible initiatives include: courses to become a certified instructor, coaching certification programs, referee clinics and more. Application form can be found on the County website: https://recreation.antigonishcounty.ca/funding-programs/



4. Local Sport Updates - On PlayFinder

SOCCER

Celtics Soccer season is set to kick-off! 

The Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club is gearing up for another great spring and summer season of skills development and competitive team play.  Registration opens Wednesday April 2nd at noon on Sport Hub

Skills Development Programming (Houseleague)

Starting in late May, we will again be offering a 10-week skills development program open to all players aged 4 to 19.  The U4, U5, U7, and U9 groups will build their athletic abilities and ball mastery skills during one evening session per week.  In addition, the U9 groups will have the opportunity to build their competitive spirit playing in small sided games both locally and across the Highland region.  Those players in the U11 and U13 programs will have the ability to grow their game over the course of two evening training sessions, one focusing primarily on individual player development, the other session targeting skill development through small sided games. The Celtics Soccer Club will also offer a single night of organized games for those players 14 years and older.  Building off last season’s success, the Club will again be offering an Adult Recreational League.  Our weekly program schedule is currently being finalized, please continue to look for updates on our Celtics Facebook page and through the Sport Hub. 

Competitive

In addition to our skills development programs the Celtics will be hosting teams that will compete in the Highland Soccer League (HSL) and the Nova Scotia Soccer League (NSSL).  The club is currently gauging interest for both boys and girls teams to play regionally, in the HSL, for both U11A and U13A. The Celtics are intending to offer teams for U15AA girls and boys and U18AA girls and boys to play in NSSL, assuming we have enough interest. 

The Club will open registration for all players through Sport Hub  April 2nd at noon. 

The Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club is a volunteer-led organization.  To help make ‘our kids better people and players through their soccer experience’ - we need your time and talents. If you think that you could support players on the field by offering your time and talents as a coach – we need you too!  In May the Club will be hosting some grassroots coaching development sessions to build your confidence and competence. 

If you have any questions or want to express an interest in helping to build a better soccer community – please drop us a note at antigonishminorsoccer1@gmail.com.

Celtics Soccer - 'Inspiring Goals'

 

StFX SPORT CAMPS

StFX Athletics is excited to offer youth sports programming in Antigonish throughout the 2025 spring and summer seasons! For more detailed information on the camps, including schedules, descriptions and pricing, please visit www.goxgo.ca/sportscamps

Registration for the following programs are OPEN now in Sport Hub:

Jr. X-Men Hockey 3 vs 3 and Spring Development Camps are run independently under the leadership of Coach Brad Peddle. Registration information and schedules can be found at www.goxgo.ca/juniorxmen 

Registration for the following programs will OPEN in Sport Hub on Tuesday, April 1st at 12:00 pm:

Registration for the following programs will OPEN in Sport Hub on Wednesday, April 2nd at 12:00 pm:

Registration for the following programs is COMING SOON in April:

For more information on the camps, including schedules, descriptions and pricing, please visit www.goxgo.ca/sportscamps

CHALLENGER BASEBALL

Antigonish Challenger Baseball is an adaptive program that provides an opportunity for children and youth with cognitive, sensory, and/or physical disabilities to enjoy the full benefits of participating in organized baseball at a level structured to their abilities.

For 2025 Registration:

  1. If your child played in 2024, Randy will be calling you to confirm that your child is coming back this season and to make any changes to their information.
  2. If you are new to the program or if you are returning after not playing last year, please contact Randy Crouse at randy.crouse@hotmail.com to register.
  3. We will once again be playing on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm on The Sandlot (105 Braemore Avenue) from June until mid-August.

Please Note:

  1. Registration is free for all participants.
  2. Children must be at least 5-years-old by January 1, 2025 to be eligible to play this season.
  3. Additional information on our program can be found on our website –www.antigonishchallenger.com 

Buddies - Challenger Baseball is always looking for volunteers/buddies. There is no age requirement to volunteer, with the general rule being - If you want to be involved, they will find a role for you. Antigonish Challenger Baseball needs buddies to operate, and it is a whole lot of fun. Potential buddies can get in touch by contacting local coordinator, Randy Crouse at randy.crouse@hotmail.com or 902-318-0707. 

Tickle Trunk - Through the support of a Municipality of the County of Antigonish, Antigonish Challenger Baseball will once again be offering the community a ‘Baseball Tickle Trunk’ this summer. This trunk will be placed at The Sandlot (field beside the high school) between July and September. The trunk will be filled with various gloves, bats, and balls for the community to use. Individuals and families will be able to borrow the equipment to use at the field and then return it to the trunk for others to use. It is hoped this project will allow as many people as possible to enjoy the game without any financial cost to them.

With so many great things going on with this organization, please follow Antigonish Challenger Baseball on Facebook to keep tabs on what they are up to this season and beyond.

 

SOFTBALL

Antigonish Minor Softball Association will be offering a full complement of programming this year starting in May/early June. 

Learn To Play Softball program will be CO-ED for children 5-7 years of age. For ages 7-9, separate Female & Male programs are offered. 

In 2025, we will again be offering ALL FEMALE programming for U11, U13 & U15.

Exact program details, including schedules, fields, times, coaches etc are still being finalized contingent upon registration numbers & will be posted on the Softball Facebook Page as soon as possible. Registration will open on Wednesday April 2nd at 12 noon, on Sport Hub.

Softball is looking for coaches, officials, and volunteers to impact programming on the ground, and are also seeking folks to help out behind the scenes with things like registrar, treasurer, social media/communications, etc. Even if you do not have softball experience, there is a lot that goes into the season beyond the field! Trainings, resources, and other supports will be available. 

Please Like, Follow and Share our posts on Facebook as we have some VERY exciting announcements coming up regarding the 2025 season!

Get in touch with questions & to offer your help via email: antigonishminorsoftball@gmail.com  

 

St. Joseph’s Minor Ball  (Chiefs)

St. Joseph's Minor Softball is a grass roots, volunteer led organization that provides kids an opportunity to play softball. This is our first season with registration on SportHub/PlayFinder and are excited to be joining other local organizations in the shared April 2nd launch! 

Opening Wednesday at noon:

U7/U9 LTP- (2016-2020) Ages 5-9 - Monday at 6pm - $70
U11- (2014-2015) Ages 10&11 - Monday at 7pm - $70
U13 - (2012-2013) Ages 12&13 - Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6pm - $100
U15- (2010-2011) 14&15 - Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7pm - $100

^Please note this schedule is subject to change and we will release the official schedule once registration is closed but we are hoping that it will be the following.

We need volunteers to help us operate! If you are interested in getting involved with St.Joseph’s minor ball please get in touch with us! Join our Facebook group “St.Joseph’s Minor Ball” and keep an eye on our Hub Details Page. 

St. Andrew’s Minor Ball (Flyers)

Registration will open on Sport Hub Wednesday April 2nd at noon! Check out our Hub Details Page and follow the club on Facebook to stay up to date on everything! Come play out of the home field of St.Andrew’s this season - Go Flyers!

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, email: Standrewsminorball@gmail.com. 

TRACK AND FIELD

StFX Track and Field Club is excited for another spring and summer of training, racing and most importantly having fun! Registration for Summer Track opens Wednesday April 2nd at noon on Sport Hub

“Speedsters” - 5 to 8 years, formerly the Town led “Wee Lads & Lassies” program and “Trailblazers”- 9 to 11 years will be offered this year under the StFX Varsity umbrella, in partnership with the club. 

Speedsters- This introductory Track and Field Program combines loads of fun with lots of movement while learning the basics of Track and Field!

Trailblazers- This program will allow athletes to train for endurance, strength, speed, and fitness in a fun and encouraging environment. All are welcome, regardless of experience.

For ages 12+, there will be the “Summer Track and Field Club”. Multiple age groups and sessions will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Email stfxtandfclub@gmail.com with any questions and visit the Track and Field Club Sport Hub org page for details. Check out and follow the StFX Track and Field Facebook page, it is a great place to stay up to date on club happenings. 

 

ON THE WATER

The Antigonish Boat Club is a volunteer-led, membership-supported community boat club focused on sailing, kayaking, small craft, and stand-up paddle boarding exploration of the Antigonish Harbour and upper estuary.

The Antigonish Boat Club has memberships and a ton of excellent programming planned for the season, including a sea kayaking paddle canada course and stand up paddle boarding course, in June. Keep an eye on their Facebook, Instagram, and Website to stay up to date. You can sign up for their club newsletter on the website so you receive consistent updates. Opportunities will also continue to be shared in this community newsletter! 


ON THE MAT

Woodshop Jiu-Jitsu is located in William’s Point and was founded by Dylan Beaton and Hayley MacLeod (black belts under Jaret MacIntosh of Pictou County Jiu-Jitsu). Dylan and Hayley both love submission grappling and their classes are currently all no-gi. In addition to co-ed adult classes, Hayley teaches a Female Youth & Women's program to help inspire more women to try and love the sport.

The club currently has two ongoing programs:

  1. Co-Ed Jiu-Jitsu Classes
  2. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu for Female Youth & Women

Program registration will open at noon on April 2nd! Please register on Sport Hub! 

Check out our Details Page and be sure to follow along on Facebook!

With any questions, email woodshopjiujitsu@gmail.com

5. Local Sport Updates - Registration on Other Platforms

Antigonish Baseball Association will be offering Learn to Play (U6 and U8) and Competitive programs for 2025, Registration here. Follow ABA on Facebook!

North Nova Highlanders, a girls program for ages 9-17 who reside in Antigonish, Guysborough, Richmond, Inverness and Pictou Counties will also be offering programming. Registration here. Follow Highlanders on Facebook!

StFX/Football NS Flag Football is offering U8 to 16U programming this May and June. Follow Football NS Facebook for details when available!

Antigonish Golf Club is excited to offer programming for 5 to 13 year olds through July and August. Follow their Facebook! 

 

6. Recreation Opportunities - Registration on Other Platforms

As we move from “Sport Hub” (which was originally more Sport-focussed) to PlayFinder (which is a more broad community recreation resource), we will be onboarding new organizations and facilities across other areas of recreation, like music, fine art, photography, hiking, biking, etc.! We are excited to see this section of the newsletter grow!

Antigonish Arts House 

The Antigonish Arts House is our first Art related partner! They have a details page on the Hub, but they also have an excellent website and registration for their programs happens there: https://theartshouse.corsizio.com/portal/theartshouse 

^You can sign up for their specific newsletter there too. Also, follow the Arts House on Facebook!

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