In celebration of the International Day of the Girl - Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Canadian Women & Sport and Respect Group have partnered to offer Ontario Soccer members free access to the industry-leading Gender Equity resource Keeping Girls in Sport (KGIS).

In a recent study, conducted by Canadian Women & Sport, troubling data about the sport participation of girls post-pandemic has emerged:

• One in 4 Canadian girls (aged 6-18) are not committed to resuming pre-pandemic sport participation levels once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted
• Top three negative impacts as reported by girls whose sport participation has decreased due to COVID-19: mental health, physical health, social connection
• 93% of girls (aged 6-18) who participated in organized sport, at least weekly prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased their participation during the pandemic

As Ontario Soccer’s overall Return to Play progress solidifies, it is important to be proactive and take immediate action to create a compelling case for girls to return to sport.

Therefore, Ontario Soccer is encouraging coaches and activity leaders at your organization to take advantage of the Keeping Girls in Sport learning resource,  which aims to empower them to create safe and respectful environments for girls to participate in sport and physical activity.

Free access to this resource, courtesy of Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Canadian Women & Sport and The Respect Group is available to Ontario Soccer members until Oct. 31, 2021.

Ontario Soccer members can access the program at the existing program link.

When on the payment page select ‘Enter Code – Use a Pre-Registration Code’ and enter the code: KGIS-Q6P6D2D

Through the Keeping Girls in Sport e-module, coaches and activity leaders will build their understanding of how to address common motivators and barriers for girls and, ultimately, keep them engaged in sport.

If you have further questions, please contact Stephan Moncayo at Respect in Sport.