Echelon is a Canadian not-for-profit on a mission to make sport and recreation open to everyone, whatever their age, ability or budget. We started with pickleball in Durham Region. We're just getting started.
Why we exist
Sport is where kids build confidence, newcomers make friends and older adults stay connected. Yet cost, distance and not knowing where to start keep too many people on the sidelines. Echelon exists to remove those reasons, one community at a time.
39%
of Canadian children and youth aged 5 to 17 get the 60 minutes of daily activity they need.
ParticipACTION Report Card, 202448%
of young Canadians who don't play sport say cost is the main reason.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart, State of Youth Sport 20251 in 11
Canadians aged 65 and over say they always or often feel lonely.
Statistics Canada, 2024An hour of coaching, then an hour of real games. Built for people who have never played, and for anyone who wants their game to feel easier.
Coming next
These programs are in the works. Tell us which one you'd join, and where. The ones with the most interest open first.
Summer and March Break
Weekdays after school
Weekday daytimes
Weeknight evenings
A few times a season
How it works
Pick by age, sport or town, then check the dates, place and price.
Sign up and pay in a couple of minutes through PB Social, the registration service we use.
Wear comfortable clothes and indoor court shoes. No experience or team needed.
Where we play
We use school gyms and community spaces in the neighbourhoods where people already live, so getting to a game takes minutes, not an evening.
We're looking for schools, municipalities, seniors' residences and workplaces to run programs with, and for local sponsors who want more people playing.
The Play Fund
The Play Fund covers program fees for kids, families and older adults who couldn't otherwise join. Sponsors, funders and neighbours make it possible.
Who we are
Echelon has no owners or shareholders. Program fees pay for gyms, coaches and equipment, and any surplus goes back into programs.
Our articles say that if Echelon ever closes, what's left goes to other qualified community organizations, never to individuals.
Federally incorporated in 2026 under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. Not a registered charity, so we can't issue donation tax receipts.