Toronto awarded $400K USD grant to launch Play Mobile for Newcomers recreation program
City received one of 10 Global Cities Fund awards to expand mobile pop-up sports across neighbourhoods, with 50 youth ambassador positions created.
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Toronto has been selected as one of ten recipients of the 2026 Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, a Mayors Migration Council initiative supporting city-led inclusion solutions for newcomers and refugees. Mayor Olivia Chow accepted the award at the Urban 20 Mayors Summit in New York City on Saturday, which brought together more than 200 mayors and civic leaders from around the world.
The city received $400,000 USD to launch Play Mobile for Newcomers, a free program that will deliver pop-up sports and recreation activities directly into Toronto neighbourhoods using mobile recreation vans. The initiative expands the city's existing Play Mobile program to focus on newcomer children, youth, and families facing greater barriers to participation—including LGBTQ+ newcomers, newcomer girls, refugee claimants, and undocumented residents.
Over two years, the program is expected to engage more than 20,000 participants annually, with approximately 6,000 newcomer children, youth, and family members reached each year. The mobile vans will connect residents to recreation programs, Newcomer Services Kiosks, Toronto Public Library resources, employment and training supports, and community-based organizations serving newcomers.
The initiative will create 50 paid leadership positions for newcomer youth as community ambassadors to support outreach and program delivery. An additional 250 newcomer youth annually will gain pathways to leadership, skills development, and employment through recreation-based training programs. Newcomers will also help shape and adapt the program itself.
"Toronto is making sport a front door to the city," Chow said. "No matter where you're from, playing together with your neighbours is the perfect way to make friends and build a sense of belonging in your community."
The source materials do not specify when the program will launch, where the mobile recreation vans will operate, or how the 50 ambassador positions will be selected and compensated.
When will Play Mobile for Newcomers launch, and which neighbourhoods will it serve first?
How will the 50 youth ambassador positions be selected, and what will they be paid?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much funding did Toronto receive for Play Mobile for Newcomers?
$400,000 USD was awarded to Toronto to launch Play Mobile for Newcomers.
How many youth ambassador positions will the program create?
Play Mobile for Newcomers will create 50 paid leadership positions for newcomer youth as community ambassadors.
How many newcomer participants does the program expect to reach annually?
The program is expected to reach approximately 6,000 newcomer children, youth, and family members each year over the two-year initiative.
What groups does Play Mobile for Newcomers specifically serve?
The program focuses on newcomer children, youth, and families facing greater barriers to participation, including LGBTQ+ newcomers, newcomer girls, refugee claimants, and undocumented residents.
