Partnership aims to raise funds for replacement of neighbourhood sports nets

A local community group and an Edmonton grooming company are partnering to replace sports nets around the city. CTV News Edmonton's Connor Hogg reports.

A new playoff partnership between a locally grown community group and an Edmonton grooming company is raising money to help bring new hockey and basketball nets to rinks, courts and fields around the city.

The Fresh Nets Foundation upgrades hockey and basketball nets at community leagues, schools and playgrounds around the city.

And this year, grooming product maker Prairie Boys has created a limited-edition Edmonton Oilers playoff beard oil.

All the proceeds of Oil Oil will go towards new local nets.

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Reed Clarke, one of the founders of Fresh Nets, says these quick upgrades to netting on sporting equipment can make a big difference.

“Maybe that’s how a kid gets into sports, that’s how they build confidence, meet new friends and grow everything about their self-esteem,” Clarke told CTV News Edmonton.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s a big thing in our opinion.”

One Edmonton neighbourhood that has benefitted from Fresh Nets is Lewis Estates, where Caleigh Wojcicki is treasurer of the community league and runs the minor soccer program.

She says it’s important to encourage kids and adults alike to participate in sports and that the Fresh Nets program helps promote that.

“My lifelong friends all came through sports. I think the fresh air is important but also that social aspect of getting out and making some friends,” Wojcicki said.

Fresh Nets hopes to upgrade every net in need all over the city.

Once they accomplish that, Clarke says the idea can resonate in any city or town.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg