2025 Annual Report to the Alberta Amateur Baseball Council
Executive Summary
Little League Alberta continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, reinforcing its role as a leading provider of grassroots baseball and softball programming in the province. Participation reached 15,800 athletes over 1420 teams, representing approximately 4% growth over 2024.
The organization remains focused on delivering accessible, development-focused programming rooted in the core values of fun, inclusion, integrity, community and teamwork, while aligning with provincial and national sport priorities.
Growth & Provincial Impact
The 2025 season reflected sustained growth across Alberta, supported by strong local leadership and increasing demand for entry-level programming.
Little League Alberta continues to play a critical role as a foundational entry point into baseball, supporting long-term athlete development and contributing to the overall health of the sport across the province. We have increased interest in our Western Frontier League for our teenage age groups as well.
Programming & Development
Little League Alberta delivers a structured pathway from introductory programming through to national and international competition, culminating at the organizations various World Series events, highlighted by the iconic Little League World Series for the 12u Little League age group.
A key area of focus moving forward is addressing athlete retention at the youngest levels. Data continues to show that the most significant drop-off in participation occurs between the ages of 6 and 8, and the organization is prioritizing T-Ball and Coach Pitch program enhancements to strengthen early engagement and long-term retention.
In 2025, the organization also advanced its commitment to inclusion and growth through:
- Creation of a Girls Baseball Vice President position to champion female participation
- Continued strength and engagement within the Challenger Program
- Ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and positive first sport experiences
Competition & Representation
Alberta leagues continued to be well represented across the Little League tournament pathway.
Notable 2025 representatives included:
- Calgary Rocky Mountain Little League - League Championships
- Medicine Hat Little League - Intermediate Regionals
- Calgary Tigers - Junior Regionals (hosted in Lethbridge, AB)
- Lethbridge Junior Bulls - Junior Regional Host Representative
- Edmonton Trappers - Senior Regionals (hosted in Calgary, AB)
- District 8 Team - Senior Regional Host Representative
Events, Leadership & International Alignment
Little League Alberta maintained a strong presence on both the national and international stage in 2025.
Alberta delegates participated in the Little League International Congress in Indianapolis in February 2026, joining global leaders to shape the future direction of the program. It is noted that Little League remains the largest youth sports program in the world and continues to grow on the International stage.
The organization continues to invest significant effort into strengthening its Child Protection Program, aligning with provincial policy while also contributing to broader international best practices.
Alberta is preparing to support major upcoming initiatives, including the Blue Jays Care All-Star Series at Confederation Park in 2026.
Strategic Priorities
Key priorities heading into 2026 include:
- Expansion of T-Ball and Coach Pitch programming
- Continued advancement of safe sport and child protection frameworks
- Navigating the evolving tournament structure for Little League in Canada
- Increasing Alberta’s role in hosting regional championships
- Growing girls baseball participation and leadership
Major Event Hosting & Future Positioning
Little League Alberta continues to position itself as a leader in event hosting and national engagement.
Confirmed and planned initiatives include:
- 2027 Little League Canadian Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta
- 2028 Little League Canadian Conference in Calgary, Alberta
Partnership with AABC
Little League Alberta values its ongoing relationship with the Alberta Amateur Baseball Council and remains committed to collaboration that supports the continued growth of baseball across the province.
Financial Position & Outlook
The organization remains in a strong and stable financial position, providing a solid foundation for continued growth, program investment, and event hosting.
Looking Ahead
Momentum from 2025 positions Little League Alberta for continued growth and impact with an expected bump coming from the recent Blue Jays and World Baseball Classic successes. The organization remains focused on expanding access, strengthening development pathways, and contributing meaningfully as a key partner in a unified and sustainable baseball system in Alberta.
Closing
Little League Alberta appreciates the continued support of its member leagues, volunteers, and partners. The organization looks forward to working with all stakeholders to further elevate the sport of baseball across Alberta in the years ahead.
