Toronto FC and MLSE Foundation bring their KickStart soccer program back to the field

MLSE Foundation, the official charity of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Argos,  is levelling the playing field with its ‘Change the Game’ campaign. ICYMI, the initiative began in 2021 as an effort to help youth overcome socio-economic barriers by making sport more accessible and inclusive. One of their long-running programs in the initiative, KickStart soccer program, just wrapped up another successful season. 

Sponsored by BMO Financial Group and delivered in collaboration with TFC and Toronto Community Housing, the Kickstart soccer program is back on the field after a virtual season last year. 

The eight-week program extended to 180 youth across 7 different Toronto Community Housing neighbourhoods  and culminated in an End of Season Tournament in June.  And like every year, there was a dedicated KickStart Girls Day (May 28) since one of the multi-fold aims of the program is to inspire and motivate girls to join the game. Also, like every year, all players will get the opportunity to attend a TFC game. Wish you were playing, don’t you?

The program is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with MLSE Foundation aiming for 250 next year and 350 the year after.

Incidentally, it’s not just the youth that are benefiting. The program also trains coaches and gives them a chance to harness their coaching abilities. Not to mention, the program opens up several employment opportunities. That’s what we call a win-win!

The focus is on both, on-the-field game training and off-the-field skill development. Basically, the players are equipped with everything they need to explore their potential not just as sportspersons but also on a personal, academic and professional level. 

Clearly, “Sports has the power to change lives” isn’t just the core belief of MLSE Foundation, but an outcome of all their programs. And you can help change lives too by extending your support, either with a one-time donation or with a recurring, monthly one.