Ontario Soccer Announces Launch of the New Canadian Guide to Soccer in Ontario, Strengthening Support for Newcomers Across the Province

Vaughan, Ontario — Ontario Soccer is proud to introduce a major new resource that reflects its commitment to welcoming and integrating newcomers to Canada through the world’s most popular sport: The New Canadian Guide to Ontario Soccer – A reference for newcomers to help you settle into your community life in Ontario through participation in soccer.

As Ontario’s communities continue to grow and diversify, soccer has proven to be a powerful catalyst for belonging, cultural connection, and settlement support. This initiative aligns directly with Ontario Soccer’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, where “Participant Recruitment and Retention” is identified as one of nine provincial priorities. New Canadians are specifically recognized as a key community the organization aims to engage through the “beautiful game.”

Developed in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Guide is tailored to meet the needs of newcomers and has been fully translated into seven languages: Arabic, Dari, Urdu, Chinese, Spanish, French, and English.

A Tool for Connection, Understanding, and Community Building

The New Canadian Guide to Ontario Soccer helps new individuals and families understand:

The structure of Ontario’s soccer system
The roles of District Associations and community Clubs
How to participate as players, parents, coaches, officials, or volunteers
Pathways for long-term involvement in the sport

It also provides Clubs and Districts with a ready-to-use resource for outreach, onboarding, and engagement as they welcome Ontario’s newest residents.

Why This Matters

Ontario welcomes tens of thousands of newcomers each year, many from regions where soccer is a deeply embedded part of daily life. For these individuals, soccer becomes an important entry point t

A sense of belonging
Physical, social, and mental well-being
Intercultural connection
Leadership and community involvement

Ontario Soccer’s goal is simple yet powerful: to make soccer the “welcome wagon” for every newcomer arriving in the province.

How Member Districts and Clubs Can Prepare

Ontario Soccer is asking all District Associations and Clubs to join in this effort by:

Reviewing and Using the Guide

Distributed both physically and digitally through settlement agencies, the Guide should be incorporated into onboarding materials, shared widely, and posted on organizational channels.

Enhancing Newcomer‑Friendly Practices

Offer free Try-It Programs to reduce financial barriers.
Provide multilingual communications and simplified registration.
Train staff and volunteers to understand newcomer needs.
Partner with schools, municipalities, cultural groups, and settlement agencies.

Building Inclusive and Culturally Aware Environments

Districts and Clubs are encouraged to consider whether they have a dedicated newcomer strategy — and to use this Guide as a starting point.

A Shared Commitment to Inclusion

“Soccer is far more than a sport — it is a bridge to community,” said Johnny Misley, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Soccer. “By supporting newcomers through this Guide and through the welcoming efforts of our Districts and Clubs, we strengthen both our communities and our game.”

“Sports have long served as a bridge for generations of immigrants and refugees settling in Canada, helping them build connections and find community. For many, soccer is a way of life. OCASI is privileged to partner with Ontario Soccer to create this Guide—a resource designed to unite communities and foster inclusion,” said Debbie Douglas, Executive Director, OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.

Ontario Soccer looks forward to working hand-in-hand with all member organizations to ensure that newcomers choosing soccer are choosing a meaningful pathway to connection, friendship, and belonging.

You can view and download the Guides HERE.