Canadian Children Embrace Swimming as Top Organized Sport

A recent survey reveals that swimming tops the list of organized sports and physical activities among Canadian children. Conducted by The Strategic Counsel as part of the Sports360 initiative, the study highlights a significant trend in youth participation in physical activities across the nation.

The survey, carried out between March and April 2025, indicates that 73 percent of Canadian youth aged three to 17 are involved in at least one organized physical activity. Notably, 23 percent of parents report that their children regularly engage in swimming, making it the most popular choice among organized sports. Following swimming, soccer stands at 20 percent, while both hockey and basketball capture 10 percent of participation.

Changing Trends in Youth Sports Participation

The findings from The Strategic Counsel suggest that overall youth participation in organized sports has increased compared to previous studies. Despite ongoing concerns regarding the affordability of sports activities, children across Canada continue to engage in swimming, soccer, and basketball in significant numbers.

Participation rates are robust for both boys and girls. Moreover, creative movement activities such as dance and gymnastics are particularly popular among girls, with participation levels ranging between 11 and 14 percent. For households of new Canadians, swimming, soccer, and basketball also emerge as the top three sports, although hockey ranks lower on their list, yet still remains in the top ten.

The financial commitment from parents and caregivers is substantial. On average, families spend $1,564 annually per child on sports. This expenditure encompasses various costs, including clothing, gear, lessons, team fees, and transportation expenses.

Survey Methodology and Impact

The survey’s data was gathered through 3,240 interviews conducted online and via mobile platforms. Participants were selected from a representative national panel of Canadians aged 18 and older, and the survey was available in both official languages. It is important to note that online surveys do not allow for a margin of error as they do not randomly sample the population.

This comprehensive study sheds light on the increasing trend of organized sports participation among children in Canada, emphasizing the enduring popularity of swimming. The report, originally published on September 11, 2025, by The Canadian Press, highlights the vitality of physical activity in youth development and the ongoing commitment of families to support their children’s engagement in sports.