A sports team for everyone, that’s the message transgender girls and women in Edmonton are sending as a quadball event celebrates inclusion, confidence and a space to play.

The Edmonton quadball association hosted a “try it” day Monday, specifically for queer and transgender girls to learn and play the sport.

“I’m experiencing the pride community, so this is really fun to experience the sport,” says Anna Duval, a participant.

Quadball is a blend of handball and dodgeball with elements of soccer and basketball.

“It’s very good for team building, you have to pass to others so it’s super fun to play,” said Kasper Kashamon, another participant.

Participants compete in quadball try out event for transgender girls and women in Edmonton on Feb. 16, 2026 (CityNews)

While players competed, passed and ran down the court, the focus wasn’t on winning.

“A lot of our participants that we see are really looking for, community, a place where they can play a sport, have all the benefits of sport, the social aspect, the physical aspect, the mental health aspect, where they can just run around and play,” says Jasper Whitby, the organizer of the event.

Monday’s quadball event comes months after Alberta’s legislation banned transgender women and girls aged 12 and older from competing in female-only sports.

“We have had an increase in participation since the law came into place because they can’t play in their usual sports,” Whitby said.

Participants say the event left them feeling welcomed, empowered and seen — something some have struggled to feel in the past.

“Growing up I’ve had my fair share with bullies about being nonbinary so just being in a space with people my age and in the same community is very fun,” Duval said.

“It’s important for everyone to have a safe space to be themselves,” Avery Monderman said.

Quadball is known as a gender inclusive sport internationally. Organizers say, all people are accepted in the game.

“Having people you can see playing sport, being in sport and being outside of binary or trans women… you are so welcome in sport,” Whitby said.