Calgary volunteers key to Futsal Canadian Championship success story in 2026

Volunteers were the backbone to the organising success of this year's 2026 Futsal Canadian Championship in Calgary. With all 35 matches played at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex in Tsuut'ina Nation, the Local Organising Committee Calgary United Soccer Association supported 62 volunteers across four days of competition.

This year’s Futsal Canadian Championship featured a record 10 provinces and territories represented across the men’s and women’s divisions. For the first time ever, the competition featured knockout matches including the Friday Quarterfinals and Saturday Semifinals. The enhanced format ensures a full four-day competition with meaningful matches for all participating teams.

Excluding volunteer members of the Local Organising Committee the competition featured 44 event volunteers and 18 ball retrievers. Those 44 event volunteers filled 75 shifts and 270 volunteer hours from 9-12 April. The 18 ball retrievers, all youth volunteers, represented seven different local clubs or academies in the Calgary region.

A core group of seven volunteers contributed 16 or more hours. Most of the volunteer shifts ran 2.5-4 hours, while longer operational and communication-based shifts ran up to eight hours (particularly in roles required continuity across multiple matches).

Volunteer roles included match attendants, match information assistants, general support, information desk/greeter, communication assistants, and (youth) ball retrievers.

Beyond the 270 volunteer hours, the Local Organising Committee contributed approximately 800 hours across a group of nine persons (including preparation, event hosting, and post-event wrap up tasks).

A proven host city that features world-class facilities and friendly volunteers, the Blue Sky City will again be the destination for the best futsal clubs in two years when Calgary hosts the 2028 Futsal Canadian Championship.