Empowering Hamilton’s youth by reducing barriers and creating opportunities that support a healthy, active lifestyle.
The Hamilton Sports Group Foundation (HSGF) was founded in October 2024 with a bold vision: to ensure that every young person in Hamilton has the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of sports and physical activity. By fostering a love for movement and teamwork, the Foundation helps build healthier, more confident, and more connected communities.
Born out of the Hamilton Sports Group’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement, HSGF works to promote physical literacy, remove financial barriers to participation, and support inclusive programming that reaches children and youth of all backgrounds. Through strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community leaders, the Foundation amplifies its impact, making sports more accessible and ensuring no child is left on the sidelines.
Building upon years of successful initiatives—such as the Tiger-Cats’ FirstOntario BeFit program and Forge FC’s Fit with Forge—the Foundation raises critical funds, provides essential resources, and creates transformative experiences for Hamilton’s youth. Whether through funding for equipment, access to mentorship, or opportunities to participate in sports clinics and camps, HSGF is dedicated to empowering the next generation and inspiring lifelong habits of health, teamwork, and perseverance.
Vision
Empowering lives through the unifying power of sport.
Mission
Empowering Hamilton’s youth by reducing barriers and creating opportunities that support a healthy, active lifestyle.
Our Path Here
1950 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were founded in 1950 through the merger of two historic Hamilton football teams, the Tigers (est. 1869) and the Flying Wildcats (est. 1941). The team has since become one of the most storied franchises in Canadian football, known for its passionate fan base and fierce rivalries. Over the decades, the Tiger-Cats have captured multiple Grey Cup championships, with iconic moments cementing their legacy and has become a symbol of resilience, pride, and tradition in Hamilton.
1954 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats Trust
The Hamilton Tiger-Cat Football Trust, established in 1959, has a proud legacy of financially supporting amateur football programs throughout Hamilton. Originally formed under the leadership of CFL legend Jake Gaudaur, the Trust has spent over six decades investing in local youth football, enabling countless young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport. Although the Trust and the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation are distinct entities, they share dedicated leadership and a unified vision for empowering youth through sport. Today, the HSG Foundation proudly builds on this tradition, broadening its reach to support an even wider range of sports and community initiatives across Hamilton.
2018 | Forge FC
Founded in 2018, Forge FC is a trailblazer in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and one of its most successful clubs. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Forge quickly established itself as a powerhouse, winning multiple CPL championships and making history as the first CPL team to compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup. With a commitment to excellence, player development, and community engagement, Forge FC has helped shape the growth of professional soccer in Canada while inspiring a passionate fan base in Hamilton and beyond.
2022 | Hamilton Sports Group
Hamilton Sports Group (HSG) was established to unite and elevate professional sports in Hamilton, overseeing the operations of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) and Forge FC (CPL). Built on a foundation of excellence, community engagement, and innovation, HSG has played a pivotal role in growing the city’s sports culture. With a commitment to delivering top-tier fan experiences and fostering youth development through initiatives like the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation, HSG continues to shape the future of sports in Hamilton while strengthening its connection with fans and the broader community.
2024 | HSG Foundation
Founded in October 2024, the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation (HSGF) is committed to giving every young person in Hamilton the opportunity to lead a healthy, active lifestyle through sports. Rooted in the Hamilton Sports Group’s tradition of community engagement, HSGF promotes physical literacy, removes financial barriers, and partners with local organizations to expand its impact. Building on programs like the Tiger-Cats’ FirstOntario BeFit and Forge FC’s Fit with Forge, the foundation raises funds, provides resources, and creates transformative experiences that inspire and empower Hamilton’s youth.
Board of Directors
News & Media
Hamilton Life – Glenn Gibson, Chair, HSG Foundation
Glen Gibson of Hamilton Sports Group Foundation is helping to empower youth. Getting more local kids involved in sports for physical and mental well-being. Reducing barriers and addressing financial obstacles, such as covering costs for equipment, fees, or travel for minor sports. Promoting physical literacy and teaching kids the skills and confidence to be active…
Hamilton Sports Group Foundation Makes First-Ever Community Donations
Funds raised in partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union support three local youth-focused charities Earlier this month, the Hamilton Sports Group (HSG) Foundation proudly made its inaugural round of charitable donations. This marks a meaningful milestone in the HSG Foundation’s commitment to supporting youth across the region. The funds were raised through initiatives led in partnership…
Forge FC and Hamilton Tiger-Cats Launch Major Mental Health Initiative in Partnership with CAMH Foundation and Headversity
HAMILTON, ON — (June 19, 2025) — Forge FC and Hamilton Tiger-Cats are proud to announce a significant commitment to advancing mental health awareness across its teams, fanbase, and the broader community. The commitment includes a powerful new content series, in-stadium activations, and local youth engagement programs — all aimed at reducing stigma and providing…
