Soccer: Canada’s Most Played Sport
New national research on the State of Youth Sport in Canada released by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, reveals a sport system under pressure — and highlights soccer as one of the country’s strongest and fastest‑growing opportunities to engage and inspire young people.
Amid rising financial barriers, uneven access to quality programs, and growing demands on families, the report shows that Canadian youth continue to see enormous physical, mental, and social benefits from participating in sport with soccer topping the list.
“Our entire organization and our partners have been working hard to make soccer one of the most accessible team sports in our country, and the findings of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities report reinforce what Canadian families are already telling us. Young people want community, connection, and a place to belong and soccer delivers all of that.”
- Dave Nutt, Director of Development, Canada Soccer
Soccer Leading the Charge as Participation Trends Shift
The new research underscores a shift happening in communities nationwide. Families are choosing sports that offer:
- Lower financial barriers;
- Strong roots in local community;
- Flexible pathways for athletes of all abilities; and
- Safe, inclusive environments.
These are the cornerstones of the soccer experience in Canada, and the sport’s growth reflects it.
- Sara McConaghy, Director of Community and Sport Inclusion, Canada Soccer
A Pivotal Moment on the Road to 2026
The timing of this research comes as Canada prepares to co‑host the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to elevate the sport and ignite participation across all levels.
Interest in the World Cup is already accelerating demand for playing, coaching, refereeing, and volunteering. Canada Soccer and local clubs are building capacity nationwide to meet the moment.
- Jesse Marsch, Men’s National Team head coach
A National Call to Get Involved
Canada Soccer is encouraging families, supporters, and community members to connect with their local clubs and discover the many ways to get involved with registrations for the upcoming seasons beginning shortly.
Ways to get involved can include:
- Play;
- Coach;
- Referee;
- Volunteer;
- Donate to the Canada Soccer Foundation; and/or
- Support local programs and events.
Clubs from coast-to-coast-coast continue to offer safe, welcoming, community‑driven environments for young people to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re stepping onto the field for the first time or pursuing high‑performance pathways.
The report reinforces the critical importance of accessible, community‑led programming, values that have long defined soccer in Canada.
- Dave Nutt, Director of Development, Canada Soccer
