About Soccability Canada
Building a Barrier-Free Soccer Landscape for All Abilities
Soccability Canada is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 with a mission to make soccer accessible to individuals of all abilities. Guided by a dedicated volunteer board, we are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play soccer in their community and explore further opportunities within the sport.
Our Vision
To create a Canada where any person with a disability can seamlessly participate in soccer within their community and pursue further opportunities in the sport.
Our Mission
At Soccability Canada, we're not just about soccer—we're about driving a societal shift towards a barrier-free soccer environment for individuals with disabilities. By supporting existing programs and fostering the development of new ones, we are building a unified platform that expands opportunities for players, coaches, match officials, and leaders. Our commitment is clear: we are here to Grow the Game for All.
Aligned with the Canada Soccer 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and CONCACAF's W-Strategy Model, our objectives for this period are anchored on four key pillars:
GROW: Expand accessible soccer programs nationwide.
GOVERN: Strengthen the sustainability of our initiatives.
DEVELOP: Resources for coaches, officials, and leaders.
ASPIRE: Inspire communities to embrace inclusivity and accessibility in sports.
Leadership Team
Matt Greenwood brings a wealth of experience to Soccability Canada. Since October 2016, he's served as the Executive Director of the Pickering Football Club, witnessing firsthand the crucial role grassroots clubs play in delivering quality, affordable programs. Matt is dedicated to overcoming hurdles related to cost, liability, and duty of care.
Notable Achievements
- Pickering FC All Abilities Program: Established in 2008, this program exemplifies successful inclusive soccer, evolving through strategic funding, academic partnerships, and passionate leadership.
- Ontario Soccer Club Development Manager: Matt secured nearly $1.5 million in grant funding for projects addressing new Canadians, disability inclusion, concussions, and risk management.
- Club Excellence Award Creator: He developed a program adopted by over 70 Ontario youth soccer clubs, laying the groundwork for the Canada Soccer National Youth License, which emphasizes accessibility and inclusion.
In his spare time, Matt coaches the Pickering FC Blind Soccer team, reinforcing his commitment to making soccer accessible for all.
"With every session and interaction, we learn more and grow our expertise in accessible football. Our goal is to expedite the rollout of accessible soccer programs, ensuring every club reflects the diversity of its community. We're eager to share our insights and collaborate with others who share our vision."
Leading our programs in Western Canada, John Clubb has been a pillar in Canadian grassroots soccer for over a decade. With experience as the Grassroots Director for Alberta Soccer, John founded the Middlesbrough FC Soccability program in England's northeast before bringing his expertise to Canada.
Notable Achievements
- Technical Director at Eastside Memorial FC: Oversees their own Soccability program in Calgary.
- Coaching Qualifications: Holds a Canada A License, UEFA B License, an MSc in Applied Sport Psychology, and a National Diploma in Sport Science and Disability.
- Advocate for Inclusive Sports: Passionate about expanding accessible soccer programs across Western Canada.
When he's not on the soccer field, John is a high-level Ironman competitor, often found pushing his limits on his bike.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Matt Greenwood coaching a player from the Pickering FC Blind Soccer team.
