Volunteer
Volunteers power our programs and help us continue to provide weekly programs.
Sports For Everyone.
PlayWithPride - inclusive community sport in Burnaby, BC
What We Do
Play With Pride organizes regular, accessible recreational sports sessions where queer youth and allies in Burnaby and surrounding areas can participate without the pressure or judgment that can often develop within traditional sports environments. Every session is designed to be low-barrier, welcoming, and genuinely fun.
Inclusion
Community
Confidence
Fun
Physical activity
Belonging
Find the sport that's right for you.
No matter your experience level, there's a place for you here.
Why PlayWithPride?
Youth participation in sports and exercise is essential for building healthy bodies, confidence, teamwork, and lifelong habits. Regular physical activity supports mental well-being, improves focus and social skills, and helps young people develop resilience while having fun and connecting with others. Queer youth can face barriers to sports participation, including concerns about acceptance, discrimination, judgment, or simply not feeling like they belong.
PlayWithPride exists to create spaces where participants can show up as themselves and enjoy sport alongside other queer youth and supportive community members.
Learn More About Why We StartedBy the Numbers
The barriers are real. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ2S+ youth face significant barriers to sports participation, and that those barriers have real consequences for their health and wellbeing.
68%
of LGBTQ+ youth report feeling unsafe in sports environments
GLSEN National School Climate Survey, 20212×
more likely to be physically inactive compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers
Canadian Community Health Survey, 201945%
have experienced harassment or discrimination in a sports setting
Athlete Ally, Out on the Fields Study, 20153×
higher rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ+ youth who are excluded from sport
Journal of Adolescent Health, 2020Upcoming Sessions
Every Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 PM.
Our story
PlayWithPride was founded by a group of local Burnaby residents who remembered what it felt like to not see themselves in sport, to feel unwelcome or judged by peers in locker rooms, or simply too anxious to show up at all. We believe sports and exercise are an incredible asset to everyone, and we want to ensure the queer youth of today have not only the opportunity to engage in judgment-free sports, but also a safe and welcoming community where they can thrive. We started small: a run-club event at Burnaby Lake, open to any queer youth or ally who wanted to come out. That first session had three participants. Today, we've expanded to providing 100+ young people with opportunities to try out basketball, tennis, badminton, run clubs, weight training, soccer, and more.
Why Queer Youth & Sport?
Sport can support physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and connection.
LGBTQ2S+ youth may encounter additional barriers to participating in sports, such as discrimination, bullying, fear of judgment, lack of representation, or feeling uncomfortable in traditional sporting environments. We’re not trying to discriminate against other participants—we’re creating opportunities that address these barriers and ensure queer youth have a space where they feel safe, welcome, and supported.
Our mission is to create inclusive sporting spaces where queer youth can participate, connect, and thrive. By promoting queer youth participation, we can help build confidence, foster community, support physical and mental well-being, and ensure every young person has the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport.
Meet the Co-Founders
Sean
Co-Founder
Michelle
Co-Founder
Community archive
Past Events
A look back at some highlight PlayWithPride sessions and community moments.
Register for Our Next Session
UPCOMING REGISTRATIONS
Choose a session below to register.
Registration Form
Click the button below to register via Google Forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to attend?
Sessions are free or sliding scale. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation. If you're unsure, just register and send us a message at info@playwithpride.ca and we will try our best to accommodate you.
When do registrations open?
Registrations generally open for the following month during the first week of every month. For example, in the first week of June, we will publish our July schedule!
Do I need experience in the sport?
Absolutely not. All sessions are designed to be welcoming to complete beginners. Our volunteer facilitators are trained to support participants of all experience levels.
Who can attend PlayWithPride sessions?
Sessions are open to LGBTQ2S+ youth and allies of all skill levels and backgrounds. For now, our programming is focused on addressing the barriers that are faced by youth and young adults in particular. If you are the parent/guardian of a youth who you think may benefit from our activity sessions, feel free to tag along!
If you're an adult, we encourage you to explore the recreational opportunities designed for adults through the City of Burnaby and City of Vancouver.
Why was my session cancelled?
While cancellations are rare, we may occasionally need to cancel a session when registration is very low. To ensure each session is a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone, we generally require at least two registered participants to run a session.
If your session is cancelled, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and encourage you to join us at an upcoming session. We appreciate your understanding as we continue building our community!
Get involved
Help us make sport safer and fun.
PlayWithPride runs entirely on volunteer energy and community support. Whether you give your time, your skills, or a donation — you make it possible for us to continue providing these opportunities.
Donate
Every dollar goes directly to keeping sessions free/low-cost and accessible — covering gym time, equipment, and participant support.
Spread the word
Share PlayWithPride with queer youth in your community. Word of mouth is how most participants find us.
Partner with us
We're actively looking to partner with community centres, schools, and other organizations in and around Burnaby.
Volunteer
Show up and make a difference.
Our volunteers are the backbone of PlayWithPride. See what types of opportunities we're currently recruiting for.
Session facilitator
Lead warm-ups, manage court rotations, and keep the energy positive at weekly sessions. No formal sports training required — just a commitment to creating a welcoming space.
Apply for this roleCommunications & social media
We're looking to start our social media presence from scratch and need someone to help us build it. You'll create content, manage our channels, and help share our story.
Apply for this rolePartner With Us
Collaborate for community impact.
We're always looking to partner and expand our program to reach more queer youth and allies across Burnaby and around the lower mainland. If you're a community centre, school, or health organization, we'd love to talk about collaborations.
Get in touchSpread The Word
Be an advocate.
The best way to support us is to tell people about us. Forward our website to youth organizations, school counselors, or queer youth you know who might benefit from our programs.
Donate
Every dollar keeps sessions free.
PlayWithPride is committed to removing cost as a barrier to participation. Your donation covers gym rental, equipment, and participant support.
Donate via CanadaHelpsContact Us
Send email inquiries to info@playwithpride.ca