Canada Soccer's first-ever IDEA conference deemed a big success
Leaders across Canada and beyond came together to discuss inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in soccer
Canada Soccer’s first Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) conference, hosted yesterday virtually across the country and beyond, was a success. The conference brought together Club leaders who are passionate about creating a more safe and inclusive soccer environment, and recognize and value a diverse membership.
The event featured guest speakers from Canada Soccer partners at Respect Group and You Can Play. Farkhunda Muhtaj, Director of Culture and Conscious at Respect Group, and Kurt Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at You Can Play spoke to 307 registered participants in Canada, the USA, Netherlands, Haiti, the UK and Brazil.
"I would like to thank our keynote speakers for an incredible job in sharing foundational information with our participants and for passing on their knowledge and expertise in their respective areas," said Sara McConaghy, Director, Community & Fund Development at Canada Soccer. "It was also amazing to share how community leaders are creating inclusive programming. Canada Soccer’s first IDEA Day was a tremendous success and I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2024."
The event highlighted five community organizations that have made significant progress in IDEA, specifically the participation of new Canadians and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The speakers for the mini presentations included:
- Oussama Bedoui — Club President and Skill Center Head Coach at Ignite Soccer (Halifax, NS);
- Gololcha Boru — IRCOM Boys Soccer, Anti-Racism in Sport Campaign (Winnipeg, MB);
- Mel Bradley — formerly the Executive Director at Brams United Soccer Club (Brampton, ON);
- Paul Burns — Executive Director at Waterloo Minor Soccer Club (Waterloo, ON)
- Alison Meaney — formerly the Executive Director at McKenzie United Soccer Club (Calgary, AB);
- Adrian Oncel — Technical Director and Club Administrator (Halifax, NS); and,
- Sarah Schwendemann — IRCOM Girls Soccer, Canadian Women & Sport - Program Facilitator, Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association Director (Winnipeg, MB).
"We know this work takes time, and yesterday, was the start of an ongoing commitment from our organization to make the game more inclusive, more diverse, more equitable and more accessible for all who want to play," added Jason deVos, interim General Secretary, Canada Soccer. "Above all else, we want to be a leader in this space and we feel we have great partners to carry this work forward."
Plans are already underway for more IDEA events and details will be announced as they become confirmed.
Paulo Senra