{ "title": "Dr. Church inducted to Paralympic Hall of Fame", "modified_at": "2026-05-05 15:37:15", "published_at": "2011-11-03 09:00:00", "url": "https://news.canadasoccer.com/dr-church-inducted-to-paralympic-hall-of-fame", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/QiFd", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Dr. Earl Church, one of the protagonists in the founding of Canada\u2019s Cerebral Palsy soccer program, was recently inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame.", "slug": "dr-church-inducted-to-paralympic-hall-of-fame", "body": "

Dr. Church, a former Executive Director of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, worked with the CCPSA and the Canadian Soccer Association to conceive the initial vision for Canada’s Para Soccer program.

Working with former Canadian Soccer Association Deputy Chief Operating Officer John Billingsley, Church found the first coach for the Para program and played a key role in coordinating early funding for the team.

“Earl is a first class man,” said Drew Ferguson, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s National Para Team. “He had a vision for Para Soccer in Canada and worked tirelessly with the Canadian Soccer Association and the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association to help the program reach the level that it has achieved today.”

Dr. Church was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame on October 21st.

The Canadian Soccer Association would like to congratulate Dr. Church on his recent achievement.

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\n Paulo Senra\n Chief Communications & Content Officer | Chef des communications et du contenu, Canada Soccer\n \n
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