Organizations in attendance included Lay-Up Foundation, Canadian Women & Sport, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Canada Basketball Foundation, Hijabi Ballers, City of Toronto, Right To Play, Jays Care Foundation, Coaches Association of Ontario, Muslim Women’s Summer Basketball League (MWSBL), Canada Soccer, AFC Toronto, Toronto Tempo, HoopQueens, and the Government of Ontario.

This Community of Practice session focused on a presentation on Canada Soccer‘s Women & Girls Strategy led by a Canada Soccer employee, along with a Storytelling session led by Girls Forward.

Here are the takeaways from those discussions:

CANADA SOCCER’S WOMEN & GIRLS STRATEGY

1. Girls’ sport participation in Canada declines significantly during adolescence

Nearly 4 in 10 Canadian girls are not playing any sport, and that number rises to 5 in 10 by age 16. More than 20% of girls drop out of sport during adolescence, with participation dropping most sharply in the late teens.

2. Interest in sport remains strong, even when participation drops

Despite declining participation, 40% of girls are more interested than ever in playing sports, and 70% are engaged as fans. The desire to participate is there, but barriers remain.

3. Representation is a powerful driver of participation

When girls see women and girls reflected in sport, as athletes, coaches, leaders, and storytellers, they are more likely to believe they belong and stay involved.

4. Equity strengthens the entire sport system

Investing in women and girls isn’t just about fairness; it improves the health, reach, and long-term sustainability of sport for everyone.

5. Women’s soccer is experiencing a major moment of momentum

Global visibility of women’s sports is growing, and Canada’s women’s national teams are inspiring the next generation. This creates a significant opportunity to expand access and inclusion.

6. Inclusion must grow alongside the game

As soccer continues to grow in Canada, intentional efforts are needed to ensure girls and women from all backgrounds can fully participate and thrive.

storytelling

7. Data tells us what is happening, but stories explain why it matters

Evaluation data is essential, but stories create emotional connection and help people understand the real-life impact behind the numbers.

8. Strong stories make impact memorable

The most effective stories are:

• Specific rather than general
• Grounded in lived experience
• Focused on a meaningful moment
• Connected to the broader impact
• Free of jargon

These stories help engage funders, partners, donors, staff, volunteers, and families.