Summer Student Spotlight: Growing the Game with Alberta Youth Disc Golf

A core pillar of our Canada Summer Jobs project has been mentoring and developing our two summer students within the sport of disc golf. When they aren't practicing on the course, they are busy keeping local parks clean and engaging with community members.

Here’s what our student Eva had to say about a recent course visit to St. Mary’s Disc Golf Park:

"We cleaned up the course, played a few rounds, and talked to people while we were there. There wasn’t much traffic at the park today, but one person we spoke with was out walking his dog. He mentioned that he doesn’t play disc golf and doesn't have kids, but he really appreciated learning about AYDG and the work we do."

Out in the Field: Spotting at NADGT Canada Premier

On August 8, 2026, the NADGT Canada Premier: WJ Homestead Supported by Innova (a PDGA-sanctioned B-tier tournament) took place at WJ Homestead Disc Golf in Millarville/Priddis, Alberta. Both of our summer students were on-site to help out as spotters during the event.

Samantha shared her experience from the course:

"This was my second time working as a spotter, and the shift went really well. First off, the people here are so nice and kind! Throughout the day, players kept giving me words of encouragement, which kept my energy high. I was assigned to Hole 18, so there was a lot of running across a huge space, but it kept the shift engaging. Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about it."

Eva added her thoughts on the tournament atmosphere:

"I helped as a spotter for two rounds. The weather was great, and the players were very respectful and thankful for our help finding discs and signaling whether throws were in bounds or out of bounds. I really enjoyed being part of the event—it was a great day and taught me a lot about the importance of sharp attention and clear communication."

Upcoming Events

Summer is wrapping up fast, but our students still have a few exciting events lined up before the season ends! Come out and say hi at one of our remaining August stops:

🥏 All Sport One Day

• Date & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: 1401 Acadia Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 4C6

• Details: A fantastic, FREE sport discovery event for kids and youth aged 6 to 17. Drop by our station to try out disc golf!

🌅 Youth Disc Golf: Evening Edition (Round 2)

• Date & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Sessions at 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Location: Signal Hill Park

• Target Audience: Ages 6–12

• Details: A free, beginner-friendly evening of disc golf for Signal Hill kids run by Alberta Youth Disc Golf. Our friendly student coaches will supply all the discs and targets. Cooler evening air, long summer light—just show up and play!

🏆 Innova Relay AHE Fundraiser Tournament

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

• Host: Edmonton Disc Golf Association

• Details: Our students will be volunteering on-site to assist EDGA with tournament operations.

It has been a busy, rewarding summer so far, and we are incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished for the disc golf community! We could not have done it without the support from PDGA Canada. Thank you.