With the support of MLSE's teams and dedicated community partners, MLSE Foundation supports programming aimed at increasing youth participation in sport across the GTA.
We grow passion in local communities for soccer, basketball and hockey through three dedicated sports programs: Kickstart Soccer program, Hockey in the Neighbourhood and Play Partnership.
Our KickStart program takes place in 12 communities located in priority neighbourhoods around the Greater Toronto Area. In partnership with Toronto Community Housing Corporation and KIA Canada, the program positively engages over 350 youth aged 6-14 with introductory soccer skills while providing them a safe space to explore the sport. Youth in this program are impacted through quality programming within the community, focus on physical literacy and soccer skills development throughout the programming year.
Hockey in the Neighbourhood
Hockey in the Neighbourhood is a program designed to encourage participation in our favorite winter sport throughout the City of Toronto. In the last decade, the campaign has provided hundreds of boys and girls with a unique opportunity to experience the game.
Every weekend from September through March, the program is in 11 City of Toronto neighbourhoods providing protective equipment and on-ice instruction to young hockey enthusiasts at no cost.
Children and youth learn how to skate and improve basic game skills through hands-on training administered by knowledgeable teams of Maple Leafs Hockey Development staff.
The City of Toronto selects specific neighbourhoods throughout the season to participate in this initiative. This provides children of all cultural backgrounds and financial circumstances with a chance to experience Canada’s game first-hand.
In March 2013, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and its MLSE Foundation announced a one million dollar contribution to Right To Play’s “Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth” (PLAY) program.
The PLAY program works in partnership with 55 First Nations and urban centres across Ontario, reaching more than 3,000 Aboriginal children and youth through weekly sport and PLAY programming.
In part of an ongoing partnership with the PLAY program, MLSE continues to implement sports programming and coaching instruction across Ontario to build on the strengths of Aboriginal youth and their communities.
Transforming Lives Though the Power of Sport and Play
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Beyond The Rim
Beyond The Rim is a free program that gives youth between the ages of 7-13 an opportunity to access sport and educational assistance. In partnership with Centennial College, the program is designed to help at risk youth from two high priority neighbourhoods in Scarborough.
Every Saturday from September to April, youth are transported to Centennial College where they build teamwork and team building skills through basketball and literacy to build new relationships with youth in different communities.
Centennial College and local high school students act as mentors and coaches to provide the youth with a community role model, an individual setting an example for the youth to follow in their footsteps for the future.