#CANMNT
01 Jun 2026
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Close the Gap
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Close the Gap
Canada Soccer has unveiled 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.
The Challenges We Face
1/3
Only 1 in 3 players are girls
23%
Just 23% of referees are women
1 Million
Nearly 1 million Canadian girls are not participating in any sport
5 in 10
5 in 10 girls have dropped out of sports by age 16
Why it matters
Representation Drives Participation
When women and girls see themselves reflected on the field and in leadership, they’re more likely to get involved – and stay involved.
Equity Strengthens the Entire System
Inclusion isn't just fair – it drives better decisions, builds stronger teams, and creates a more resilient soccer ecosystem at every level.
Soccer is Growing – Inclusion Must Grow With It
As Canada’s fastest growing sport, soccer must offer pathways that meet the needs of all players, not just some.
Sport Empowers Beyond the Game
Participation builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong health. For girls and women, that impact can be transformational.
Canada Soccer Must Lead the Way
As a National Sport Organization, we have both the influence and responsibility to raise the standard for equity across the country.
Our Commitment
Canada Soccer is committed to advancing gender equity by increasing participation and quality leadership opportunities for women and girls at all levels of the game. Canada Soccer will bolster grassroots development and drive the high-performance framework to establish a world class ecosystem that guarantees widespread participation and excellence on the international stage.
Five Key Pillars
Grassroots/Participation
Increase the engagement of girls and women to ensure their long-term involvement in soccer through innovative and accessible programs that reduce barriers to participation.
Women in Roles
Increase quality opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in soccer by reducing barriers and promoting career development.
Marketing and Communications
Create marketing and communications initiatives and campaigns that highlight the achievements of women and girls in soccer, promote gender equity, and engage diverse audiences through various platforms.
Governance & Transparency
Implement governance practices that drive accountability, transparency, and trust in advancing women’s involvement in soccer.
Performance
Improve the overall development and performance of women players, coaches, and referees.
Programs Making an Impact
AccelerateHER
A strategic initiative to foster gender equity within Canada Soccer’s advanced coaching landscape, AccelerateHER invests in the development of women coaches in Canada. The program provides financial support for advanced coaching opportunities, with each year taking a unique approach to address the evolving needs and priorities of women pursuing advanced coach education.
TELUS She Can Coach
A national initiative empowering women coaches in soccer. This club-based program recruits and develops entry-level coaches while creating inclusive spaces for girls in sport. Operating across five provinces, it aims to close the gender gap in participation by removing barriers and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and coaches.
How you can support
Be An Advocate
Use your platform and your voice. Champion women and girls in soccer by amplifying their stories, their wins, and their leadership — on your team, in your programs, and across your community.
Create Opportunities
Take action to make space for women and girls — hire them, mentor them, nominate them, or invite them in. Small actions change the game.
Share Stories
Celebrate and uplift the women and girls shaping our game. Help increase visibility by highlighting the achievements and experiences of the women and girls you work with.
Measure and Adapt
Equity starts with data and honesty. Review your numbers, share data, track your progress, and set new goals. Apply what you learn to drive meaningful change within your organization and across the industry.
Join the Movement
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.
Representation in Action
