The Abbotsford Soccer Association is one of 15 programs in British Columbia to receive a 2024 Soccer in Schools grant.
Canada Soccer announced the full list of participating programs on Thursday (June 27).
The ASA will be working alongside Canada Soccer to engage and support their selected schools with nationally developed educator training, age-appropriate video-based curriculum and a student activity booklet.
For their participation, schools will receive a legacy banner, equipment package and a Soccer in Schools digital app to utilize the video-based curriculum for years to come.
The grant was eligible to any member in good standing with BC Soccer. The grant has a minimum value of $4,000.
The ASA now must partner with a minimum of five schools, prioritising schools in lower-income neighbourhoods or those with a higher percentage of new-to-Canada students.
They also will provide an equipment package to each participating school, support each participating school in accessing both the educator training and video
curriculum to be implemented in September/October, support the evaluation process to measure the success of the program and host an open house for five partner schools.
The Soccer in Schools program will occur locally in September and October.
"We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of community clubs across British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan in the first phase of our Soccer in Schools program," stated Sara McConaghy, Canada Soccer's director of community and fund development. "This initiative is designed to bring the joy and benefits of organized soccer directly into schools in partnership with local soccer clubs, providing students with valuable physical, mental, and social skills.”
The program is also occurring in Ontario and Saskatchewan this year. Other B.C. programs receiving the grant include:
- Albion Football Club
- Burnaby Football Club
- Juan De Fuca Soccer Club
- Kelowna City FC
- Mission Soccer Club
- New Westminster Soccer Club
- North Shore Girls Soccer Club
- Oceanside Football Club
- Prospect Lake Soccer Club
- Quesnel Youth Soccer Association
- Shuswap Youth Soccer Association
- Surrey Football Club
- Tzeachten FC
- West Vancouver Football Club
