Competitive cornhole gets a toehold in city

By Lethbridge Herald on November 19, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It looks like the cornhole setup you’d see in a backyard game or campground, except for the small digital screens set up on stands behind each platform which not only keeps score but tracks each player’s stats which they can access via a phone app. 

Welcome to the world of organized competitive cornhole. 

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss or bags, is a popular lawn game which most people first learn as children. The game involves tossing bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it, with the aim of getting the bags into the hole. 

The game has a rich history that dates centuries and today cornhole is played in the U.S., Canada and Austrailia. and is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a popular activity at outdoor events, tailgates, and parties.

Across Canada, cornhole is played both as a casual backyard game and as an organized competitive sport. It’s particularly popular in Ontario and the Prairie provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan), which boast numerous active leagues including the Lethbridge Cobra Chicken Cornhole Club.

“The technology we use takes cornhole far beyond the typical ‘campground cornhole’ experience,” says founder and event director Mitch Belcourt. “There are a few platforms out there, but we use the official system from the American Cornhole League (ACL), which is growing in popularity worldwide.”

The ACL app streamlines everything and makes the game feel modern and connected. After the user downloads it from the ACL website and creates an account, it automatically tracks the player’s stats, sends alerts when it’s their turn on league night, and even notifies them about upcoming events.

“One of the coolest features is that it works anywhere. If you’re traveling and want to see if there’s a tournament or league night nearby, you can simply open the app — it will show you all the cornhole events happening in that area.” says Belcourt.

The Lethbridge Cobra Chickens formed and started playing in September. On their first league night there were two players. There are now an estimated 20 or more and Belcourt expects that number to double quickly.

“This sport is truly for everyone, It’s everybody’s game! The best part is that you don’t need to be an athlete, you don’t have to commit to a long season and you don’t even need to be social– though we definitely encourage it,” says Belcourt.

Two of the newest players are Katharine Farough and Carolyn Waddle who played in their first league night on Nov. 12 at the German Canadian Club. For both women, it was their first toss at competitive cornhole. 

“I had a great time and would totally recommend it if you’re looking for something to do. I really did hope to win something, but I’m glad I got the experience,” says Farough.

“Good, nice bunch of people to help and know what to do. It was fun. I just wanted to go out and do something different…and it was date night out,” says Waddle. “I hope to try it at the new place soon.”

Currently there are four other leagues operating under the the ACL umbrella in Southern Alberta: the Calgary Big Bucks, Strathmore Mad Hatters, Okotoks Prairie Dogz and the Medicine Hat Badlands

The club will start holding their weekly league nights at Southminster United Church on Friday and then next Friday, Nov. 28. Because of Christmas concerts there, they will switch to Tuesdays during December. 

When the new season rolls around in January, league nights should move back to Fridays for the remainder of the winter season.

Belcourt says no experience is required and invites everyone to come out and play. The $15 drop-in gives players a minimum of six games throughout the evening for inexpensive fun and a great night out.

“If you’re looking to get out of the house, meet some new people and have a blast playing a game you may have only seen in backyards or campsites…this is your chance,” says Belcourt. 

For more information on the Lethbridge Cobra Chickens Cornhole Club visit their Facebook page.