The Ontario Schools Cricket Association (OSCA) is set to host a unique event that blends the excitement of cricket with crucial life skills, celebrating the achievements of hundreds of young local athletes. The OSCA Cricket-Ed Forum 2026 will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Save Max Sports Centre on Sandalwood Parkway East.
The forum is designed as a capstone celebration for OSCA’s Winter Recreational Cricket Program, which involves students aged 5 to 17. The event will bring together these young cricketers, their families, educators, and community leaders to recognize the participants' dedication to teamwork, leadership, and personal growth throughout the season.
In a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional sports functions, the forum will integrate educational workshops with athletic activities. This holistic approach underscores OSCA’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the cricket pitch.
A focus on holistic development
Throughout the morning, students will not only engage in interactive cricket sessions but also rotate through a series of learning experiences led by prominent community partners. These hands-on workshops aim to connect sport with practical education, mental wellness, and community engagement, reflecting a modern approach to youth development.
FIRST Canada will be on hand to deliver robotics and other STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) activities, introducing students to high-demand fields in an engaging way. The Dufferin-Peel chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will lead mental wellness awareness sessions, a critical component of youth well-being.
In an increasingly digital world, cyber safety has become a paramount concern. Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, from Toronto Metropolitan University, will provide essential cyber safety education. To round out the life skills programming, TD Bank Group will offer financial literacy learning sessions, giving young people a foundation for future economic success.
The event will also feature a special appearance by ACE, the official mascot of the Toronto Blue Jays. The visit from the popular baseball mascot highlights the crossover appeal and shared community spirit between cricket and baseball, two of Canada's beloved bat-and-ball sports, while promoting the benefits of multi-sport participation for young people.
More than just a game
Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada, and its heartland is Brampton. The city's deep cultural diversity and large South Asian diaspora have made it a hub for the sport. This passion provides a powerful platform for community initiatives, making cricket an effective tool for youth engagement and a popular choice for families looking for fun things to do with kids in Brampton. In education, Otago Boys' High School students honour fallen soldiers.
A number of special guests are expected to attend the forum, underscoring its significance. Mayor Patrick Brown and Hon. Graham McGregor, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism, will be present, alongside various education leaders and community partners who support youth sport and education in the region.
OSCA, a federally incorporated non-profit organization, was formed in 2020 to continue and expand upon a highly successful school cricket program initiated by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). That program grew exponentially over a decade, demonstrating a clear need for accessible and inclusive sports programming. Today, OSCA partners with school boards and municipalities, reaching over 5,000 students annually and using cricket to foster healthy lifestyles and intercultural understanding.
Building community through sport
A core part of OSCA’s mission is to address disparities in recreational opportunities that can arise from socio-economic factors. By providing equitable access to physical activities like cricket, the organization helps build stronger communities. This work aligns with broader municipal and federal goals to invest in public well-being, such as Brampton receiving a $64 million federal boost for a new recreation hub.
The organization’s vision is to empower children with a lifelong love for healthy living, using cricket as the vehicle to foster community and break down barriers. This approach not only helps develop athletic skill but also promotes a sense of belonging and addresses social issues that are top of mind for many, with some residents recently gathering to voice concerns at a public safety forum.
According to Cricket Canada, the national governing body, grassroots programs like those run by OSCA are vital for the long-term health and growth of the sport across the country. They serve as the primary pipeline for talent and, more importantly, create inclusive environments for Canadians of all backgrounds.
The Cricket-Ed Forum stands as a testament to this philosophy, celebrating not only the end of a successful cricket season but also the bright futures of the young participants. The event will conclude a morning dedicated to celebrating the intersection of sport, education, and community leadership.
