With the support of MLSE's teams and dedicated community partners, MLSE Foundation supports programming aimed at increasing youth participation in sport.
We give youth the tools and training to have their first goal, befriend their first teammate and in many cases, experience the game for the first time. Our programs bring communities together, employ local youth to be leaders in their neighborhoods and empower children to stay off the sidelines.
In partnership with Toronto Community Housing Corporation and KIA Canada, the KickStart program positively engages over 250 youth aged 6-14 with introductory soccer skills while providing them a safe space to explore the sport and focus on physical literacy and soccer skills.
Hockey in the Neighbourhood
In partnership with the City of Toronto, Hockey In the Neighbourhood is designed to encourage participation in our favourite winter sport. Every weekend from September through March, the program is in 12 City of Toronto neighbourhoods providing protective equipment and on-ice instruction to 350 young hockey enthusiasts at no cost. This provides children of all cultural backgrounds and financial circumstances with a chance to experience Canada’s game first-hand.
Homecourt Hoops
In partnership with the City of Toronto and Just Energy, Homecourt Hoops brings organized basketball to communities facing barriers at no cost. Homecourt Hoops impacts three City of Toronto community sites within the GTA, located within both Scarborough and York districts, while additionally featuring one all-girls community location. This program engages 90 youth, while providing employment to 12 community coaches during the programming year. This program is designed to encourage participation in sport, more specifically, the game of basketball which has grown exponentially in Canada.