​ Financial Assistance Programs

Supporting Families, Growing the Game

At SWHA, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play hockey, regardless of their family’s financial situation. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, there are several support programs that may help offset costs related to registration, team fees, and in some cases, equipment.

​ Important Notes for Parents/Guardians

  • Financial aid covers only a portion of overall costs.
  • Most programs only approve one application per player per season.
  • Team fees (practices, tournaments, travel, etc.) are not usually covered and may total $600–$1,000, depending on the age group and level of play.
  • Until financial aid is received, you are responsible for paying registration and team fees up front.
  • SWHA will reimburse eligible families once funding is received from external programs.

​ Grant Payment Timing

  • GCWCC Grant – Usually received in September and applied directly to registration.
  • Other programs (e.g., Hockey Winnipeg) – Typically disbursed February or March.

​ Available Programs

Below are the primary financial assistance programs available to SWHA families. Please review each option and apply according to your eligibility:

​    GCWCC Grant     

General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres
Supports registration fees for children participating in community-based programs.
​  Received: September
​  Visit Website ›

​Hockey Canada Assist Fund

National fund that helps Canadian families in need cover hockey registration costs.
​ Up to $500 per child
​   assistfund.hockeycanadafoundation.ca

​     KidSport Manitoba

Provides grants to help cover the costs of organized sports registration.
​ Maximum: $500 per child, per year
​   www.kidsportcanada.ca/manitoba

​    Jumpstart (Canadian Tire)

Helps cover registration, equipment, and other costs for low-income families.
​  jumpstart.canadiantire.ca

​    Grindstone Award Foundation

Specifically supports female hockey players in financial need across Canada.
​  www.grindstoneaward.com

​   Black Girl Hockey Club – Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to Black girls and young women pursuing hockey.
​  blackgirlhockeyclub.org/scholarship

​   Cooper Nemeth Memorial Player Financial Assistance Fund

Created in memory of Cooper Nemeth, this local fund supports players who face financial barriers to participation.
​ See details

​    Dianne Woods Memorial Player Financial Assistance Fund

Honoring the legacy of Dianne Woods, this fund assists SWHA families facing financial need.
​ See details

​ Need Help Applying?

If you're unsure which program is right for you or need assistance with an application:

​  Contact the SWHA Registrar
         registrar.swha@gmail.com

We are committed to supporting families in making hockey accessible for all.