Canada Soccer Launches Soccer in Schools Initiative Through Club+ Platform
Empowering schools and community clubs to inspire the next generation of players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Canada as a host nation, Canada Soccer has launched a new Soccer in Schools section within its national Club+ platform, supporting community clubs in strengthening connections with schools and growing participation from coast to coast.
The new section provides clubs with access to a Physical Health and Education (PHE) Canada–approved curriculum, teacher training modules, multilingual student activity books, and a partnership framework designed to create lasting pathways between schools and community soccer programs.
“Schools are one of the most powerful environments for introducing children to soccer. By equipping teachers and clubs with quality, easy-to-use resources, we’re helping ensure every child in Canada has the opportunity to experience the joy of the game.”
- Dave Nutt, Director of Development at Canada Soccer
Connecting Schools and Clubs
Soccer in Schools addresses a long-standing gap in Canada’s sport system by supporting collaboration between educators and local soccer organizations. The initiative helps clubs engage their local schools more effectively, making it easier to deliver fun, inclusive, and age-appropriate soccer programming—both in classrooms and at recess.
“Community clubs have always been at the heart of our game. With Soccer in Schools, we’re giving them the tools to meet kids where they are — inside their schools — and spark lifelong connections to soccer.”
- Sara McConaghy, Director of Community Development at Canada Soccer
Building Momentum Toward 2026 and Beyond
The launch is part of Canada Soccer’s broader strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ focusing on impact across the entire ecosystem, which includes investments in infrastructure, grassroots programming, women and girls’ participation, and inclusive community development.
Soccer in Schools joins a growing collection of initiatives on Club+, Canada Soccer’s national support platform for community clubs. The platform centralizes practical tools, templates, and best practices for over 1,500 clubs across the country, helping to strengthen participation pathways, promote inclusion, and elevate the overall soccer experience.
“The World Cup represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to inspire a new generation of players. Programs like Soccer in Schools will ensure that excitement translates into meaningful, lasting growth for the sport at every level.”
- Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary at Canada Soccer
Paulo Senra