A volunteer rugby coach at a Calgary high school has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage student he allegedly groomed through his coaching position.
Drew Alan Robertson, 50, was arrested on May 13 following an investigation by the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit. He faces three charges: sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and making sexually explicit material available to a child.
Robertson volunteered as a rugby coach at Henry Wise Wood High School in the southwest Calgary community of Kelvin Grove. Police allege he first met the victim when she was 15 years old, using his position of trust to groom her before the assaults began. The abuse is alleged to have continued for nearly two years.
"The victim had contact with the suspect through her school, as well as through extracurricular activities," police said in a news release.
Robertson appeared in court Wednesday. The charges against him have not been proven in court.
"A Betrayal of Those Values"
Staff Sgt. Chris Tudor of the CPS Child Abuse Unit condemned the alleged conduct in a statement issued alongside the arrest.
"Coaches are supposed to be instructors, leaders and mentors," Tudor said. "Sexual exploitation by a person in a position of authority is a betrayal of those values, and offenders must be held accountable."
The victim is receiving support through the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
CBE Bars Robertson from All School Teams
The Calgary Board of Education confirmed it is aware of the charges and said Robertson will no longer be permitted near any CBE school.
"We take this matter seriously," the CBE said in a statement. "In keeping with CBE policy, the community volunteer coach will have no further association with any CBE school teams. The school will continue to fully cooperate with the police investigation."
The CBE also noted the school is offering support to students connected to the accused, and encouraged families to seek additional mental health supports for their children as needed.
Report Sexual Assault
In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault. Anyone who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact Calgary Police at 403-266-1234. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or calgarycrimestoppers.org.
SOURCES:
Calgary Police Service, news release, May 19, 2026
Calgary Board of Education, statement, May 19, 2026
