CPL Supporting Inclusion

Introduction

2024 has been exceptional and that truly comes down to our partners. In 2023 blind players from the Pickering FC Blind Soccer team made the short trip to York University to provide a demonstration of their skills as part of the half-time entertainment at a York United game.

This fueled further thought and in late 2023 we approached staff at the Canadian Premier League about widening this to other clubs in the league.

Thanks to Andres Rodriguez and the team at CPL HQ we were able to lock in three CPL clubs for the expansion of our program. Forge FC of Hamilton, York United based just north of Toronto, and Halifax Wanderers from Nova Scotia. The concept was simple – identify a local soccer club with a strong accessible soccer program, invite the players and their families to enjoy a regular season game and then at half-time have the players and coaches come on to the stadium field and in front of thousands of fans show off their skills and love for the game.

All three events were a great success and our pictures paint a thousand words. Big
thanks to the staff of Forge FC and clubs leaders from the Saltfleet Stoney Creek Soccer Club including Nadia and her team of junior coaches.

Equally huge thanks to the staff at York United and Vaughan SC program lead Sarah Pellegrini for a great Friday night under the lights.

Finally thank you to staff at Halifax Wandered SC and the grassroots accessibleprogram at Suburban SC including program lead Ioan Florean.

To Andres and Teresa Spinelli not only did they go above and beyond to make this happen and liaise between pro club and community club, but they ensured half-time announcements included a summary of the program and introduced the concept of accessible soccer to many fans in the stadium. Their efforts are appreciated and speak volumes for the leagues commitment to community, inclusion and accessibility.

Thankyou, CPL!