Evidence of the existence of organized team sports dates back to the mid-nineteenth century in New Brunswick.

With better transportation and communication among cities and towns as well as increased accessibility to specialized equipment and facilities, larger segments of the population could become involved in contests that involved greater numbers of participants. In the twentieth century, growing levels of corporate sponsorship, audience support as well as government funding created more opportunities for training and events. Activities that began as amateur matches at the local level have become an integral component of the health and wellness of our society as a whole.