Each year, World Mental Health Day is recognized on October 10, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy efforts worldwide. This day encourages communities, organizations and individuals to unite in support of mental health causes, breaking the stigma and ensuring all people have access to mental health resources. For Ontario’s soccer community, Burlington SC is doing just that, becoming a local leader in addressing mental health within youth sports.

As the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, it's important to recognize how Clubs like Burlington SC are using their platforms to promote not just physical fitness, but mental well-being, especially in a post-pandemic world. Burlington SC’s initiatives, particularly their “Kickin’ It for Mental Health” day, showcase their commitment to making a difference in the space of mental health.

At the heart of Burlington Soccer Club's efforts is their "Kickin’ It for Mental Health" event, which was brought back for its second year in 2024. This initiative raises awareness for mental health and healthcare resources within the community.

“We started this with OPDL last year [2023]. We were there and we engaged with our teams, advised everybody that [it] was coming in, and we provided everybody with tangible resources,” Stewart noted.

This year, the Kickin’ It for Mental Health event was held on a beautiful July weekend alongside Men’s and Women’s League1 matches – allowing the club to reach a different group with the 2024 initiative.

By providing mental health resources and fostering a positive atmosphere, the club has been able to impact players and their families directly through this effort, helping more folks recognize the importance of mental well-being.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met somebody who hasn’t been impacted in some capacity by mental health,” Stewart remarked. “The community here in Burlington has been super welcoming, super open to the events every year. The awareness has grown, so we have a better turnout each time, which leads to better donations.”

This event is just one of the Club’s many efforts to give back.

“Kickin it for Mental Health is really impactful. Coming out of the pandemic, we recognized that we’re in a unique position to give back in that space and help our own kids at the club. But if we can reach beyond that and provide much-needed resources to the broader community, that’s what we’re all about,” said Stewart.

Each year, the Burlington SC community hosts a slew of events that further promote mental health and wellness.

Their annual Pawther’s Day, which supports local animal shelters like the Burlington Humane Society and Niagara Dog Rescue, brings the community together for a unique blend of soccer, puppy yoga and vendor markets.

“Any time you put a dog anywhere, to be honest, I think it just brightens the mood for anybody. Having a rescue animal myself, I know how impactful animals can be for people’s mental well-being,” said Stewart. Pawther’s Day has grown into a beloved community event, with this year’s edition expanding to 11 vendors.

Additionally, the club has now introduced an empowering Girls Can Play Day. Recognizing the trend of girls dropping out of sports during adolescence, the event connects female athletes with various local sport organizations in the area. This year’s edition was held in conjunction with the last home game for Burlington’s women’s team, with the on-field action serving as an inspiring backdrop for an equally inspiring event.

"Girls Can Play Day," which promotes female participation in sport. Recognizing the trend of girls dropping out of sports during adolescence, the event connects female athletes with various local sport organizations in the area. This year’s edition was held in conjunction with the last home game for Burlington’s women’s team, with the on-field action serving as an inspiring backdrop for an equally inspiring event.

“It’s not just about soccer,” Stewart shares. “It’s about making young women aware of the opportunities they have in sport and how it can impact their future.”

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the OPDL, Burlington Soccer Club's work reminds us that soccer is more than just a sport—it's a vehicle for positive change and nurturing holistic personal development. Through events like Kickin’ It for Mental Health, Pawther’s Day, and Girls Can Play Day, Burlington Soccer Club is making a lasting impact, proving that the well-being of their players and community comes first.

Looking to the future, Burlington SC plans to continue growing its initiatives for mental health awareness. Their current events will be bigger and better in the coming years, raising even more funds for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Stewart is brimming with ideas for new efforts the club could take on.

“We’ve looked at doing movies for mental health inside in the domes,” she said. “We're also looking at working with more professionals to bring services directly to our players internally, should they need them.”

For Clubs looking to undertake similar projects, Stewart’s advice is this: “Genuinely, just give it a go. Don’t be afraid. Your community is there for you and your whole purpose is to serve your community.”

Stewart says she’s happy to lend a helping-hand to other club’s in the Ontario Soccer community, particularly when it comes to mental health-driven events.

“I don’t think it’s a one-size-fits-all kind of return, but I do believe we can all support each other and whatever avenue you want to work within,” Stewart said. “At the end of the day, the more people that support this, potentially the more people that get involved with the game and the better human’s we’re developing.”

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity to create these events. I’m grateful to work in a club that’s very supportive, that recognizes my same vision that, again, it’s more than just sports.”