Canada Soccer’s Active Start Soccer Fests 2017 season has wrapped-up with more than 140 community soccer clubs hosting fun-filled festivals in every Province and Territory. In 2017, Canada’s largest grassroots soccer program connected 100,000 Active Start participants under the age of 12 and nearly 300,000 total on-site attendees; including families, volunteers and coaches, across the Canadian soccer community.
As Canada’s leading grassroots soccer program, Active Start Soccer Fests deliver financial, promotional and technical resources which contribute to the hosting of community soccer celebrations in collaboration with community soccer clubs.
“Children under the age of 12 who have opportunities to learn the game through free play and experience the pure joy of soccer will become those who are most likely to play the game throughout their life,” said Canada Soccer Director of Development Jason deVos. “Programs like Active Start Soccer Festivals, which provide a nurturing and supportive free play environment, are vital as they allow children to develop the love of the game that fuels the passion for soccer.”
The 2017 season was highlighted by the introduction of Toyota Canada to the family of national sponsors, joining Allstate, Teck, Mott’s and the Government of Canada in supporting the Festival program.
2018 will mark the 22nd season of the program which has reached over 3.5 Million Canadians with registration set to open in early February. As the festival schedule is expected to fill-up quickly, clubs are encouraged to submit their application early to secure a festival hosting grant on the preferred schedule date. For regular program updates, including the opening of 2018 registration and special announcements from the program partners visit canadasoccer.com.