Soccer in Schools


Canada Soccer envisions a country where every child can access quality sport and recreation in a safe, fun and welcoming environment. We recognise the integral role the public school system can play in this vision through the Soccer in Schools project. 

Compared to other sports offered in Canada, soccer is a widely-accessible sport. It is simple to understand and it requires minimal equipment. Soccer is a sport that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can enjoy. Soccer also offers a range of physical, mental, and social benefits for those who play it. 

The Soccer in Schools project ensures greater inclusion in sport and it serves the community as a whole. The program allows Canada Soccer to reach a wider audience through the public school system, providing opportunities to kids who may not have the means to participate in organised sports. The Soccer in Schools grant provides teachers with enhanced tools and education to deliver an outstanding in-school soccer experience for everyone involved. By connecting a local soccer organisation to their local public schools, we increase the ability for participant engagement and to experience organised play in their community.  

Our initial partners in the project are BC Soccer, Saskatchewan Soccer, Ontario Soccer, community clubs and schools in those provinces. It will be expanded across the country in subsequent years. 

As part of the project, Canada Soccer is developing the following: 

  • Video-based curriculum  
  • Website and Online Access 
  • The Student Playbook 
  • Educator Training 

Grants will be open to community clubs across British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. As part of the funding, clubs are required to: 

  • Partner with a minimum of five schools, prioritising schools in lower-income neighbourhoods or those with a higher percentage of new to Canada students 
  • Provide an equipment package to each participating school 
  • Support each participating school in accessing both the educator training and video curriculum to be implemented in September/October  
  • Support the evaluation process to measure the success of the program  
  • Host an open house for 5 partner schools.

Soccer in Schools Funding: 

  • Grants valued at $4,000 CDN each in funding per successful recipient 
  • Funds are delivered following successful application 
  • Funds are provided in advance, so organisations are responsible for completing all guidelines as outlined 

Eligibility:  

  • The organisation must be a member Club of BC Soccer, Saskatchewan Soccer or Ontario Soccer  
  • The organisation must be a Canada Soccer Club Licence holder or they must be in the process of obtaining their Club Licence in 2024 

Timelines:  

  • ON/SK applications opened 1 March 2024 / BC applications opened 4 April 2024
  • ON/SK applications closed 18 March 2024 / BC applications will close on 30 April 2024
  • ON/SK recipients were notified 26 March 2024 / BC recipients will be notified 3 May 2024
Application Form
Register here
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions and application procedure.
Guidelines
Soccer in Schools guidelines