Canadian Women’s National Team defender Kadeisha Buchanan has built her career on strength, composure, and consistency at the highest levels of the game. Now, the Olympic […]
The new foundation reflects both Buchanan’s personal journey and her commitment to creating pathways for girls who may face barriers similar to the ones she once navigated.
Turning Experience Into Opportunity
For Buchanan, the inspiration behind the KB3 Foundation is deeply personal.
“Honestly, it comes from my own experience growing up,” she says. “My mom raised me and my sisters on her own, and I saw how hard she worked to give us opportunities.”
Football changed the trajectory of her life, but she remembers clearly that the path was not always easy. Costs associated with travel, equipment, and registration can quickly add up, and for many families, those expenses can become deciding factors.
“Football helped shape my life, but there were definitely moments when money or access could’ve stopped me from playing,” Buchanan explains. “I wanted to create something that helps girls in similar situations so they don’t have to worry about those barriers and can just focus on their love for the game.”
The KB3 Foundation aims to ease those burdens, ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of a young player’s passion.
Addressing the Unseen Barriers
While financial obstacles are often the most visible, Buchanan believes other challenges can be just as impactful.
“A lot of people don’t realize how expensive playing sports can be,” she says. “There’s travel, equipment, registration — it adds up. But there’s also the emotional side. Some girls might not feel like they belong or might not see many role models who look like them. Those are things we don’t always talk about, but they matter a lot.”
That sense of belonging is especially important for Black girls navigating the sport. Buchanan understands the power of visibility and the message it sends when young players see someone who shares their background investing back into the game.
“Representation is powerful,” she says. “When young girls see someone who looks like them giving back and supporting them, it sends a message that they belong here too. I want them to know their dreams are valid and possible.”
Removing One Obstacle at a Time
At its core, the KB3 Foundation is about access and belief. Buchanan speaks about the impact of even the smallest intervention.
“Sometimes one obstacle, like the cost of a tournament or a pair of boots, can be the difference between continuing or giving up,” she says. “If the foundation can remove even one barrier, that could help a young player stay in the game and keep believing in herself. So for me, even helping one player is huge.”
That philosophy aligns with the broader spirit of Black History Month, which celebrates resilience, leadership, and community investment. By launching the KB3 Foundation, Buchanan is contributing to a legacy of Black excellence in Canadian sport – not just through her performances on the pitch, but through her commitment to lifting others.
Building the Next Generation
Buchanan views the foundation as more than financial assistance. It is an investment in future leaders.
“I think it’s about creating opportunities and opening doors,” she says. “If we support young players now, we’re helping build the next generation of leaders, athletes, and role models.”
In five or ten years, success for the KB3 Foundation would mean seeing more girls stay in the sport and reach their goals – whether that is competing at the highest level, earning scholarships, becoming coaches, or simply gaining confidence through football.
She envisions a community where hundreds of players feel supported and see a clear pathway forward.
As Buchanan continues to anchor Canada’s back line, she is also laying the groundwork for something just as lasting off the field. Through the KB3 Foundation, she is ensuring that the doors she walked through remain open for those coming next.
This Black History Month, her impact is measured not only in caps and championships, but in opportunity, and in the belief that every girl deserves the chance to chase her dream.
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