Canada Soccer Launches Strategy “Close the Gap” to Advance Women and Girls in Soccer

Canada Soccer has unveiled today its bold new Women and Girls Strategy “Close the Gap” a formal commitment to closing the gender gap in participation and leadership – and increasing the visibility of women and girls in soccer across Canada. With soccer being the most played sport in Canada, the strategy seeks to ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to play, lead, and belong within the sport.

Despite soccer’s popularity, only one in three players are girls, and just 23% of referees are women. Alarmingly, nearly one million Canadian girls are not participating in any sport — a number that rises to five in ten by age 16. ​

“This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about building a more inclusive, equitable, and lasting soccer culture in Canada. By closing the gap, we’re unlocking the full potential of the sport and ensuring every girl and woman has a place — on the pitch, in leadership, and in shaping the future of soccer.”
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​- Sara McConaughy, Director of Community Development at Canada Soccer

Canada Soccer’s strategy responds to this urgent need with clear, measurable actions designed to foster inclusion and elevate leadership opportunities for women and girls at every level of the game.

Close the Gap focuses on five key pillars:

“We’re excited to launch our Women and Girls strategy, which is a critical step towards building a future where every woman and girl in Canada has the power to shape the game and thrive within it.” ​ ​
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​- Erin Crowe, Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Canada Soccer

Programs such as TELUS She CAN Coach and AccelerateHER — already established initiatives empowering women coaches and leaders across Canada — reflect the vision and priorities of the new Women and Girls Strategy. They showcase the positive impact of reducing barriers and creating meaningful pathways for women and girls in the game.

“As a younger coach, programs like AccelerateHER have changed what’s possible for me. They’ve connected me with women who are so beyond brilliant — role models and leaders I might never have met otherwise. TELUS She CAN Coach has allowed me to build that same sense of community in my own club, where women lift each other up and younger players can see a future for themselves in the game. This is what closing the gap truly means — creating pathways, visibility, and belonging for every woman and girl in soccer. I’m honoured to be part of that movement.” ​
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​- Emily Porteous, Richmond Hill Soccer Club, 2025-26 AccelerateHER Coach & TELUS She CAN Coach Club Lead 

Canada Soccer invites all stakeholders — from clubs and coaches to fans and community leaders — to be part of the movement to Close the Gap. By championing women and girls, amplifying their stories, and creating more equitable opportunities on and off the field, we can ensure that soccer in Canada truly reflects the diversity and potential of those who play it.

This strategy marks an important step forward, but progress depends on collective action. Together, we can build a system where every woman and girl feels seen, supported, and inspired to stay in the game — as players, coaches, referees, and leaders.

To learn more about Close the Gap and access the full Women and Girls Strategy, visit the new Women and Girls in Soccer webpage by clicking here.