About Us

Inspiring youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.

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Our Mission

To inspire youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. 
Our goal is to provide a safe and motivating space for youth to gain the confidence to change themselves and their communities.

Cycle diagram with three red arrows forming a cycle, surrounding the words 'Plan, Do, Check, Act' indicating a continuous improvement process.

About Us

Canada SCORES is a registered charity in Canada, established in Burnaby, British Columbia. Since its inception in June 2013, Canada SCORES has been dedicated to delivering unique after-school programming at no cost. Initiating its programs in January 2014, it started with 45 students across three Burnaby elementary schools. As of 2024, the charity has expanded its reach to Toronto and now collaborates with 17 schools across the Lower Mainland and the Greater Toronto Area.

Currently through both core and extension programming, Canada SCORES supports almost 500 students in elementary & middle schools, continually striving to enrich the lives of children through its educational and athletic programs.

The Impact of SCORES

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what you can learn from our highlight videos that feature some of our Poet-Athletes, their Parents, Coaches, Staff, School Partners and more!

View more inspirational videos here.

  • Outline of a hand holding a bowl with a coin and dollar sign inside.

    Poverty

    One in five children in Canada are living in poverty.

  • Red and black icon of a hand holding a pen, writing on a sheet of paper with lines and a square, with additional papers layered behind.

    Social and Emotional Development

    Our participants experience improved self-esteem and empathy, and become better at conflict resolution and teamwork.

  • Red athletic shoe with black accents and laces.

    Physical Health & Well-being

    Canada SCORES participants develop better physical fitness, have improved attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle, and demonstrate more healthy habits.

  • A red graphic icon of six people connected above a rainbow with five arches.

    Connectedness

    As a result of our unique programs, our poet-athletes demonstrate an increased sense of connection with their community.

Why Are We Needed?

  • Poverty is a harsh reality affecting many children across Canada. According to recent statistics, over 1.3 million children live in poverty, representing nearly 1 in 5 children nationwide. These children face numerous challenges that hinder their overall development, including limited access to essential resources, educational opportunities, and extracurricular activities.

    Without adequate support, they are at a higher risk of falling behind in school, experiencing social isolation, and encountering long-term economic disadvantages. Canada SCORES steps in to bridge this gap by providing free after-school soccer programming, offering these children a safe space to grow, learn, and thrive both on and off the field.

  • Approximately 25 per cent of Grade 3 children in Canada are not reading at their grade level, and Canada ranks 18th in a global ranking of Grade 4 readers. These statistics highlight a significant literacy gap that disproportionately affects children from low-income families. Many of these children struggle to achieve proficiency in reading and writing, leading to diminished academic performance, lower self-esteem, and limited future opportunities.

    Canada SCORES addresses this critical issue by integrating literacy activities into our soccer programs, encouraging a love for reading and writing through engaging, supportive, and fun methods. By promoting literacy alongside physical activity, we help children build the skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.

  • More than half of Canadian children and youth are not active enough for optimal growth and development. Only 9% of Canadian kids aged 5 to 17 get the 60 minutes of activity they need each day. Health disparities are especially prevalent among children from low-income families, who often have limited access to nutritious food, safe recreational spaces, and regular physical activity. These children are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.

    Canada SCORES promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing free, structured soccer programs that encourage regular exercise and teamwork. Through our programs, children not only improve their physical health but also develop essential life skills such as discipline, resilience, and self-confidence, fostering overall well-being. By making physical activity fun and accessible, we help children achieve the daily exercise they need for their growth and development.

  • Children living in poverty-stricken areas are at a higher risk of being exposed to crime and engaging in delinquent behaviour due to a lack of positive outlets and supervision. Studies show that involvement in structured, extracurricular activities can significantly reduce the likelihood of youth engaging in criminal activities. On weekdays, youth crime peaks (20%) in the late afternoon between the end of the school day and supper-time. Without constructive after-school activities, these children may be vulnerable to negative influences and environments.

    Canada SCORES offers a proactive solution by providing a safe and supportive space for children to spend their afternoons. Our programs focus on building a sense of community, promoting positive relationships, and instilling a sense of responsibility and leadership. By engaging children in meaningful activities during these critical hours, we help steer them away from potential criminal activities and towards a brighter future filled with opportunities and hope.