Ontario Soccer is delighted to share the exciting news of Canada Soccer's substantial investment of $1,267,860 in grassroots programming, aimed at expanding opportunities for Canadians to “experience the transformative power of sport.” This initiative, made possible through the Government of Canada's Community Sport for All initiative with support from the Ministry of Sport and Physical Activity, reflects Canada Soccer's commitment to fostering positive experiences through soccer. 

The $1.2M backing will contribute to the development of two groundbreaking initiatives: Canada Soccer in Schools and Inclusion, and Canada Soccer's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Learning. 

“We are focused on delivering tangible programs that support future generations of players through the transformative power of soccer across Canada. We want to thank the federal government for helping us build on programs that support our youth, coaches, referees and emerging leaders so they can be positively impacted and grow within the sport they love,” said Canada Soccer President Charmaine Crooks in a statement from the organization. 

The Canada Soccer in Schools and Inclusion is an effort to integrate soccer into educational settings, promoting the sport's benefits and values among students with hopes of fostering a love for soccer and physical activity from a young age. 

Canada Soccer's IDEA Learning initiative underscores the commitment to creating a soccer community that is inclusive and accessible to all. Concerned with topics like Cultural Awareness, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, New to Canada, Anti-Racism and Adapted Soccer, this program provides resources and training to enhance awareness and understanding of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within the soccer landscape. 

Click here to read the announcement from Canada Soccer and learn more about these ongoing initiatives.