Saint John will host the 2026 Founders Cup, bringing Canada’s top Junior B lacrosse teams to Harbour Station next August.
The bid was secured by the Saint John Rapids Lacrosse Club, led by President Megan Kingston, who said the decision to bid began after attending last year’s event in Hamilton, Ontario.
“We started thinking, hey, this is something we could do ourselves,” Kingston said.
“It would help grow the game. Encourage people to come watch. Come play.”
Kingston explained that the Rapids reached out to the previous host’s president for advice, then formed a committee of volunteers to develop their bid.
“We had some really good volunteers put together a phenomenal bid,” she said. “I read it and thought to myself, there’s no way we’re not winning this.”
Saint John competed against Ontario, which was the only other province to submit a bid.
Kingston says the lacrosse community supported bringing the tournament to the East Coast.
“I think a lot of people got wind that the East Coast wanted to host,” she said.
“Everyone likes to travel down our way, so they kind of said, why not. Let’s have them do it.”
Harbour Station as the venue
Kingston explained that Harbour Station was a key part of their bid.
She explained that the facility will have a new turf floor and accommodations connected by pedways.
“One of the key things there was the Pedway connection and the revitalized waterfront,” she said.
She adds that the tournament’s opening ceremonies will be led by Indigenous groups in Saint John, celebrating the sport’s origins.
“It’s an Indigenous sport and we like to promote the roots of our game,” Kingston said.
“We are working with Indigenous groups in Saint John to host opening ceremonies on the waterfront, which will be huge.”
Impact on the city and lacrosse community
Kingston said the event will bring economic and tourism benefits to Saint John.
“Players and families will also get to experience the Bay of Fundy,” she said.
“There are over 150 restaurants downtown near Harbour Station. It will be more than just playing lacrosse. It will be an experience of getting to know the East Coast.”
She added that the Rapids will also run camps throughout the year to help younger players learn from junior athletes.
“The boys are starting a camp this year as a promotion for the Founders Cup,” Kingston said.
“The girls already run an all-girls camp called The Little Waves, where junior players lead practices.”
Kingston emphasized that hosting the Founders Cup is a milestone for Saint John lacrosse.
“It’s a huge deal to be a part of this,” she said. “It’s an honour to host, and I’m excited to see what’s going to come.”
The Founders Cup takes place in August 2026, bringing national competition and new opportunities to Saint John.
