Midweek check-in, Winnipeg! 💙

There is a lot going on right now, and honestly, it is a good problem to have. We just got our own pro women's soccer team, festivals are filling up the calendar, and markets are popping up all over the city this week.

It is the kind of stretch where it feels like something is happening every single day. So if you have lost track, no worries. That is what we are here for.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get you caught up on what's happening around Winnipeg.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

For years, Manitoba's most talented women's soccer players have had to leave home to chase a professional career.

Soon, they won't have to.

Winnipeg is officially getting a professional women's soccer team, joining the Northern Super League as its first-ever expansion franchise in 2027.

Making it even more special, the club is being co-founded by Olympic gold medallist and Winnipeg's own Desiree Scott, alongside longtime coach Rob Gale.

For Desiree, this is about creating the opportunity she never had growing up.

Instead of leaving Manitoba to chase a professional career, the next generation will have the chance to dream a little closer to home, with a hometown club they can cheer for and one day hope to wear the jersey of themselves.

Click here: To watch Desiree’s announcement and hear more about the newest pro team.

But the fun doesn't stop there…

The team already has a name, but they're keeping it under wraps for now. Instead, they're asking fans to guess it in the comments, and the first person to get it right wins a pair of season tickets.

One early favourite is "Winnipeg Destroyers," a nod to Desiree's famous nickname. The only clue they've shared so far: "Beyond expectations, destroying doubt along the way."

Think you've figured it out?

Click here: To leave your guess in the comments and see if you'll win the season tickets.

It's mid-August. The trips are done, the routine is gone, and the day stretches out with nothing in it.

By 10 a.m. you've heard "I'm bored" twice. The screens are on. The energy in the house has nowhere to go, and school is still weeks away.

There's one place that quietly takes those days off your hands. Kids head out the door in the morning, come home worn out and happy, and build toward the season while they're at it.

That's a week at Canlan Sports.

Every camp is grouped by age and skill, so your kid is always with the right crowd.

Here's the catch. The best weeks and time slots book up first, and once they're gone, they're gone. If a certain week works for your family, it's worth grabbing before someone else does.

Click below to see which weeks and times are still open before they sell out!

Golf isn't always the cheapest sport to get into, especially for families with growing kids.

That's where Golf Canada's Youth on Course program comes in. This summer, young golfers can play for $5 or less at four City of Winnipeg courses, giving families an easy, low-cost way to let their kids try the sport.

To access these rates, young golfers will need a Golf Canada membership, which costs $64.95 per year. Once they're signed up, they can enjoy the Youth on Course pricing all summer at participating courses.

Programs like this help make golf more accessible for Winnipeg families, giving kids the chance to try a sport that can turn into a lifelong hobby without the usual cost getting in the way.

Click here: To find out how to become a member and get your young golfer signed up!

P.S. If your family loves trying new things each summer, this one's worth keeping in mind.

If you've been trying to find ways to keep the kids cool this week, the City just made that a little easier.

While the heat continues, most of Winnipeg's spray pads are open longer, running daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., an hour earlier and an hour later than usual, all for free.

Whether it's an hour after daycare or a full afternoon at the park, it's one more free option to keep in mind whenever the kids need a break from the heat.

And with 30 locations across Winnipeg, there's a good chance there's one closer than you think.

Click here: To see the full list of spray pad locations and find one near you!

Every neighbourhood has that one corner. The one where cars take the turn too fast, or where you wave the kids across and hope everyone's paying attention.

The City is now targeting spots exactly like that.

Nine more intersections around Winnipeg are getting new traffic calming curbs, part of a growing pilot to slow drivers down near schools, crosswalks, and busy neighbourhood streets.

The curbs work by narrowing the road, which nudges drivers to ease off the gas and makes it easier to spot people walking or biking. And it's already paying off.

Last year's pilot brought average speeds down by about 10%. If these nine see similar results, the temporary curbs could stick around for good.

So whether you're behind the wheel, walking the kids to school, or crossing with the dog, that's one less corner to hold your breath at.

Click here: To take a look at all nine locations!

Jets fans won't have to wait long to see their first-round pick begin his journey in Winnipeg.

Just over two weeks after selecting 18-year-old Swedish forward Viggo Björck in the NHL Draft, the Jets have signed him to a three-year entry-level contract.

If you're hoping to see him at Canada Life Centre this fall, you'll probably have to be a little patient.

He's expected to continue his development with the Manitoba Moose before making the jump to the NHL. And honestly, that's part of the fun.

Getting to watch a young prospect develop, follow his journey, and imagine what he could become is one of the best parts of being a hockey fan.

Click here: To see the details of Björck's new contract and read the Jets' official announcement!

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!