“Your foundation has helped bring joy in the midst of hardship for this young man and we are most grateful”
Whitney Saip-Dyck, BC & Yukon Branch of Make-A-Wish Foundation
The SCOUTS Program: Inclusion and Belonging
Building stronger youth. Stronger teams. Stronger communities.
The SCOUTS Program is built on the belief that every young person should have the opportunity to participate, contribute, develop their potential, and feel that they belong. The program seeks to create an environment where youth of diverse backgrounds, abilities, cultures, identities, and circumstances are included, respected, and supported.
Please read the application guidelines and eligibility requirements on this page before beginning your application.
S
Strengthening
Developing physical, mental, and personal strength through sports.
C
Confidence
Helping youth believe in themselves and try new challenges.
O
Opportunity
Creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for learning, leadership, and growth.
U
Understanding
Helping youth recognize the value of commitment, hard work, empathy, and respect.
T
Teamwork
Teaching collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual support.
S
Sportsmanship
Developing respect, empathy, fairness, inclusion, and belonging.
Our Impact
“A very special thank you to the Foundation for having us as their chosen cause for their start-up dinner on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”
Kit Richards and Jasmine Stonechild, Bison Clan Bow River
“Thank you so much to the entire Professional Hockey Scouts organization, it was truly an honor to be a part of this amazing event.”
Tammy Hoffart, KidSport Saskatchewan
“Words fail to express one’s true gratitude at moments like this. Only the future can and will unfold to tell how truly significant and important the Foundation’s contribution to advance reconciliation is/was”
Chief Willie Littlechild
“Your foundation should be proud of yourselves in making this wish into a reality”
George McPhee, Vegas Golden Knights
“I wanted to congratulate you for the outstanding Indigenous Hockey Legends Banquet … To have planned the event around the NHL’s Indigenous players and on Canada’s Day of Reconciliation was brilliant”
Ed Staniowski, Blues, Jets, Whalers Alumni
“The Dunmore Equestrian Pet Visit Program began years ago … I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made it possible this year. Our main supporter, the Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation”
Joyce Stuber, Dunmore Equestrian
How the SCOUTS Program Reviews and Supports Applicants
At the heart of the SCOUTS Program is a simple belief: every young person should have the opportunity to experience the positive impact of hockey and sport regardless of the barriers they face. We also believe in the power of sport to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create opportunities to give back and make a meaningful difference in other’s lives.
To ensure support reaches those who can benefit most, applications are carefully reviewed by the SCOUTS Review Committee. Bringing together medical, hockey, leadership, and community perspectives, the Committee is led by Dr. Donna Kozak and includes Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Dr. Kalley Armstrong, former NHL players Tim Hunter, Shane Doan, and Bryan Trottier, Washington Capitals Assistant GM and Foundation Vice President Ross Mahoney, and Foundation Legal Advisor Robert Donick.
The Committee considers each opportunity individually, weighing the applicant’s needs, the potential impact of support, and alignment with the SCOUTS Program’s values. Following its review, the Committee identifies individuals and organizations it believes merit consideration and makes recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which retains final responsibility for every funding decision, including recipients and the amounts awarded.
1. Application Submission
Interested youth, parents/guardians, coaches, schools, or community organizations submit an application that includes:
- Applicant information
- Age and community affiliation
- Sport(s) of interest
- Current participation level
- Description of financial, social, or accessibility barriers
- Personal statement outlining goals and interests
2. Eligibility Review
Applications are reviewed to ensure applicants align with the program’s objectives of:
- Increasing access to organized sport
- Supporting leadership development
- Providing mentorship opportunities
- Creating safe and inclusive sport environments
- Encouraging personal growth and community engagement
3. Assessment and Selection
A SCOUTS review committee evaluates applications based on:
- Demonstrated need
- Commitment and interest in sport
- Potential benefit from mentorship and leadership programming
- Geographic and community representation
- Alignment with program values and objectives
Selected applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review process.
4. Interview or Follow-Up Discussion
Selected applicants may participate in a brief interview (virtual or in-person) with a program representative to discuss:
- Personal goals and aspirations
- Areas where support is needed
- Current challenges and barriers to participation
- Leadership interests and opportunities for growth
5. Acceptance and Program Matching
Successful applicants are matched with appropriate program opportunities, which may include:
- Financial assistance for sport participation
- Leadership development activities
- Mentorship connections with experienced sports leaders
- Team-building and character development programs
- Access to educational and personal development resources
6. Orientation
Participants and families will attend an orientation session, either virtually or in person, covering:
- Program expectations and participant responsibilities
- SCOUTS core values of teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, respect, and leadership.
- Available resources and support systems
7. Ongoing Participation and Evaluation
Participants are encouraged to actively engage in SCOUTS programming throughout the year. Periodic check-ins will help measure:
- Leadership development
- Personal growth and confidence
- Continued participation in sport
- Academic and community engagement
- Achievement of individual goals
8. Program Completion and Alumni Opportunities
Upon completion, participants receive recognition and may be invited to:
- Serve as peer mentors
- Assist with SCOUTS events and activities
- Participate in leadership ambassador opportunities
- Continue involvement through the SCOUTS Alumni Network