Podium Club
The 2027-2028 Podium Club Application window will be open in January 2027.
The 2027-2028 Podium Club Application window will be open in January 2027.
About Podium Club
The Wheelchair Rugby Canada Podium Club is a program that offers a wide breadth of grants aimed to benefit the growth and sustainability of rugby across Canada at the community and grassroots level. The core of the program is to help in the development of wheelchair rugby clubs, though there is some funding available for Provincial Sport Organizations should their application provide proof of benefit to their club system.
How to Apply!
Application Process
- Online Form Submission: Complete the official Podium Club application form (English/French).
- Budget Plan: Submit a completed budget form (Template Provided) outlining how funds will be used.
- Review & Approval: Applications are reviewed by the Domestic Programs Committee and approved by Wheelchair Rugby Canada.
Important Deadlines (Previous Podium Club Cycle)
Podium Club Resource Hub
Funding Pillars
| Pillar | Use | Maximum Request Amount | Eligible Expenses | Ineligible Expenses |
| Canadian Competition Support | Support for hosting or sttending domestic competitions | $3,000 | Facility rental, domestic travel, registration, accommodation | International travel, travel to Nationals |
| GEID Recruitment & Retention | Initiatives promoting inclusion and diversity | $1,000 | Outreach events, GEID training, promotional materials | Salaries, general club operations |
| Training Environment Access | Resources for sustainable training spaces | $2,000 | Equipment storage, facility rental, accessibility improvements, parking costs | Uses for activities or events that do not assist in access to a training environment |
| Education | Development for coaches, officials, classifiers, volunteers, etc. | $2,000 | Certification fees, workshops, travel for training | Non-wheelchair rugby-related education |
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
| Eligible Applicants | Ineligible Applicants |
| Wheelchair rugby clubs affiliated with provincial associations and WRC
Provincial wheelchair rugby associations Not-for-profit organizations supporting wheelchair rugby |
Individuals
For-Profit organizations Clubs not affiliated with WRC or a provincial body |
Note: Applicants may apply to multiple pillars and must complete a budget for each pillar applied for.
Eligible projects based on organization
The following list provides examples of projects eligible for Podium Club Funding. This list is NOT exhaustive, and creativity is encouraged!
REMINDER: All projects MUST occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
| PSO Applicants | Club and Community Sport Organization Applicants |
| Projects are focused on provincial growth and outreach. These initiatives look to support the recruitment and sustainability of the sport.
Education (Coach, Officials, and Classifiers) Provincial Training Camps Hosting a competition (Eligible expenses include, facility rental, transportation for officials, score clocks and similar equipment) Initiatives based on provincial growth (recruitment and sustainability of sport) |
Projects are focused on local club growth and outreach. These initiatives look to support the recruitment and sustainability of the sport directly from local organizations.
Hosting a club competition (priority given to a competition which is new/not organized in previous years): Eligible expenses include, facility rental, transportation for officials, score clocks and similar equipment Transportation and accommodation to a club competition (team or individual expenses) Hosting a Have-a-Go session Events and activities centred around the club and club impact Marketing and Promotional Materials Education (Equipment Managers, Volunteers, community awareness/outreach, etc.) |
Application Documents
Application Tips
- Be descriptive when connecting your project to the Mission, Vision, and Values of WRC.
- View our strategic plan – this document will give you all the information you need to know to connect your projects with the vision of WRC.
- Evaluation Matrix – Take a look at the evaluation matrix for information on how your application will be evaluated.
- Please reach out if you have questions or need clarification. We are here to assist you in the application process.
FAQ
Wheelchair Rugby Association Map
Why are we being asked to align with our PSO’s?
While club development is still the priority of the Podium Club grants there needs to be national, provincial and local alignment to ensure the success of our sport programs.
If I receive funding, why do I need to report on the clubs activities?
You are asked to report on your activities to maintain transparency and accountability for the approved projects. This ensures that community programs are beign delivered and accurate impact measurements can be documented.
Don’t worry, reporting is made to be as easy as possible! WRC’s Programs Coordinator is working hard to ensure that each applicant understands the application and reporting process.
Can funding be used for international travel?
No. The program supports domestic club competition only.
Can a club apply for all for pillars?
Yes, provided each application includes budget and justification.
Can I apply if I have never participated before?
New clubs and community organizations are encouraged to apply, especially under GEID and Training Environment pillars.
What are you looking for in your evaluation?
We are looking for projects that contribute to our strategic plan of WRC and that contribute to the sustainability of rugby in our communities. Please look at our evaluation matrix and our strategic plan for more detailed information
How will the Podium Club Committee make its decisions?
- Is there a plan to increase participation?
- Does your application identify programming gaps and does it have a plan to address them.
- Have you demonstrated that your club/PSO is aligning with other provincial wheelchair rugby programs.
- Is your project appropriate for the level of athletes in your programs?
- Is your budget reasonable for the project you are applying for.
Successful Applicants
2026-2027 Successful Applicants
| Applicant | Area(s) of Focus |
| Manitoba Wheelchair Sport Association |
|
| Winnipeg 76ers |
|
| Wheelchair Sports Alberta |
|
| Parasport NB |
|
| Quadzillas Wheelchair Rugby Team |
|
| Ottawa Stingers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Parasports Québec |
|
| BC Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Victoria Wheelchair Sports Association (Victoria Ravens) |
|
| Regina Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Vancouver Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Okanagan Rattlers Wheelchair Rugby Association |
|
| Toronto Titans Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Northern Adapted Sports Association |
|
2025-2026 Successful Applicants
2025-2026 Podium Club Recipient List
| Applicant | Area(s) of Focus |
| Quadzillas Wheelchair Rugby Team |
|
| Parasport New Brunswick |
|
| Toronto Titans Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Calgary Wheelchair Rugby Association |
|
| Red Deer Reapers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Les Félins d’Adaptavie |
|
| Okanagan Rattlers Wheelchair Rugby Association |
|
| London Annihilators |
|
| Winnipeg 76ers |
|
| Ottawa Stingers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Wheelchair Sports Alberta |
|
| BC Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Regina Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Parasports Québec |
|
| CIVA |
|
| Victoria Ravens |
|
| Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Vancouver Whalers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Northern Adapted Sports Organization |
|
2024-2025 Successful Applicants
2024-2025 Podium Club Recipient List
| Applicant | Area(s) of Focus |
| Vancouver Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Northern Adapted Sports Association |
|
| Red Deer Reapers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Regina Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Winnipeg 76ers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| London Annihilators Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Toronto Titans Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Trenton Quadzillas Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Ottawa Stingers Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| CIVA, Machines de Montréal |
|
| Félins de Québec |
|
| Nova Scotia Wheelchair Rugby Club |
|
| Parasport New Brunswick |
|
| BC Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Wheelchair Sports Alberta |
|
| Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association |
|
| Parasports Quebec |
|
2023-2024 Successful Applicants
2023-2024 Podium Club Recipient List
Location |
Area of Focus |
| BC Wheelchair Sports Association | Canadian Competition Support |
| Parasports Quebec | Canadian Competition Support |
| Parasport New Brunswick | Canadian Competition Support |
| Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association | Club Growth & Recruitment |
| Northern Adapted Sports Association – BCWSA | Club Growth & Recruitment |
| Red Deer Reapers Wheelchair Rugby Club – Alberta | Canadian Competition Support |
| Vancouver Wheelchair Rugby Club – BC | Canadian Competition Support |
| Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association | Enhancement (Officials/Classifiers) |
| Okanagan Rattlers Wheelchair Rugby Club – BC | Canadian Competition Support |
| Ottawa Stingers – Ontario | Canadian Competition Support |
| Wheelchair Sports Alberta | Canadian Competition Support |
