The year has been an incredible one so far for accessible soccer in Canada, and we are not quite at the conclusion. Soccability Canada wants to highlight some big successes so far as the last quarter promises more exiting news as we head into the conclusion of our 4th year and big plans for 2024.
2023 Ontario Para Sport Games
The 4th time that blind soccer was included in the Provincial Games, and the second time being hosted in Durham Region. North Mississauga Soccer Club took home the gold medal after tough games against Pickering FC. Fatlum Elshani continued to show his excellent on the field, however it was the growing abilities of all on the field which showed the development of the athletes.
2023 International Blind Soccer
With sanctioning from Canada Soccer and hosting support from US Blind Soccer it was in March that Soccability Canada took the first ever team to play an international blind soccer tournament. Hosted at the Chula Vista Olympic Training facility in San Diego a small Canadian team took on a strong US group in back-to-back games. The group took away countless learnings and this has fueled the planning and expectation for 2025.
Alberta Soccer announces official partnership.
Through the work of John Clubb, Soccability Canada Lead for Western Canada, we were able to formalise a partnership with Alberta Soccer Association that enables clubs to work with us and seek guidance on program and competition development.
Nova Scotia Soccer hosts first accessible soccer workshop
Our second, in-person, provincial workshop (Saskatchewan in 2022) saw us present a 6 hour workshop to 22 participants in beautiful Halifax. There were already exciting things happening in 3 clubs across the Province so our presence was a welcome endorsement of that work and the push for further programs to start soon.
Ontario Soccer reintroduces accessibility to TD Diploma
After a 3-year hiatus the Accessibility component to the Ontario Soccer TD Diploma was introduced. 25 candidates in the course follow a 12-month program that covers all aspects of the game. Thanks to Technical Director matt Ferreiras leadership the TD’s will now get a wider vision of the opportunities open to their club and academy.
2nd Annual Lake Joe Training Camp
With generous support from the Ontario Parasport Collective we were able to host the second training camp at the excellent CNIB property at Lake Joseph. The first camp was an introduction to blind soccer while this latest edition saw a change in focus to tactical development and improved team play. A group of 12 players, including a talented young player from British Columbia came together with our popular team of 4 match officials and 6 coaches.
First Official Blind Soccer sponsor
Our blind soccer program got a further boost during the summer as we announced 407 ETR as a first, dedicated sponsor. Funding has helped provide each player with their own audible ball to train at home as well as a branded t-shirt. York United of the Canadian Premier League were generous in hosting us for a half-time demonstration and to publicly announce 407-ETR’s support.
Let’s see what the year end will bring to further our game’s development, and if you want to get your club involved or learn more please email us at inquiries@soccability.ca
Soccability Canada 