Local Youth Baseball Program Sets National Benchmark for Safety and Community Leadership
Edmonton, AB — July 2025 —
When Edmonton families sign up their kids for Little League baseball, they’re joining more than a team they’re joining one of the safest youth sports programs in North America.
Little League Alberta District 2 (Edmonton) has just been named a semifinalist for the 2025 National Safety Council (NSC) Green Cross for Safety® Advocate Award, the only Canadian youth baseball organization to earn this distinction this year. The Green Cross Awards typically recognize Fortune 500 companies and leading institutions; this year, an Edmonton volunteer-run program stands shoulder to shoulder with global industry giants.
Building Safety From the Ground Up
The recognition comes after years of committed leadership and a complete culture shift in District 2. In 2018, Safety Director for Community Park Little League, Brian Hollett (owner of Edmonton-based Deluxe Safety Services) led a renewed push for safety—empowering coaches, parents, and volunteers to put child wellbeing at the center of every decision.
“Brian and our team built a robust safety program from the ground up—risk assessments, injury tracking, and child protection at the highest level,” says Berdahl. “This award isn’t just about policies; it’s about caring for every family. It shows that community leagues, not just big corporations, can lead the way in safety and youth development.”
Innovations That Matter to Families
District 2’s success is no accident. The semifinalist selection spotlights a safety culture that is both cutting edge and deeply personal:
– Inclusive coach training — special programs to empower all volunteers, including gender diverse strategies for coaching girls.
– Direct family support — every injury, big or small, receives a personal follow-up call and support, ensuring no child or parent feels alone. – Proactive safety planning — every game, practice, and event is reviewed with safety top of-mind.
– HSE management system — a rigorous, COR-standard safety system, developed in partnership with Deluxe Safety Services, that’s rare in youth sports. – Core values — family, safety, teamwork, and putting kids first—on and off the field.
A National Model in Youth Sports
The NSC Green Cross for Safety Awards are internationally recognized for celebrating organizations that set new standards for safety. Little League Alberta District 2 is the first ever Canadian youth sports organization to be named a semifinalist for this prestigious award.
About Little League Alberta District 2 (Edmonton)
Little League Alberta District 2 serves youth and families across the Edmonton area, committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching baseball experience. Its award winning safety culture program, developed with support from Deluxe Safety Services, is raising the bar for youth sports across North America.
About Deluxe Safety Services
Deluxe Safety Services is an Alberta-based health, safety, and environment (HSE) consulting firm specializing in building practical, industry-leading safety management systems for organizations of all sizes, including non-profits. Owned and operated by Brian Hollett, Deluxe Safety Services partners with clients to create a culture of safety excellence— offering services such as COR/SECOR audit preparation, policy development, training, and ongoing HSE support. For more information, visit www.deluxesafety.com.
About the National Safety Council Green Cross Awards
The NSC Green Cross for Safety Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on safety through innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Semifinalists are chosen from across North America and represent the very best in community and organizational safety.
To learn more about our safety program, partner with Deluxe Safety Services, or bring these standards to your league, please contact us or attend our upcoming information session— details available at https://www.edmontonlittleleague.ca
For more information, visit: https://www.nsc.org/support-nsc/green-cross/semifinalists