We’re excited to announce we have partnered with Access Football Club (AFC), a not-for-profit organization that aims to deliver affordable soccer to the youth of Rexdale. Please consider making a donation at https://www.accessfootballclub.com/
The Rexdale community has long been underserved by the various levels of government even with the area being deemed “at-risk” by studies and officials for generations. With over 70% of Rexdale’s population being visible minorities and over 50% being immigrants to Canada who face systemic discrimination and biases in political, economic and social levels of power, the time has come to provide the youth of this vibrant and diverse area with opportunities to excel. Access Football Club aims to be one of the many programs needed.
Children in inner-city areas are four times less likely to play organized sports after school when compared to children in more affluent areas. The benefits of these programs to these children and youth from lower-income families is profound. They are less likely to join gangs, get into physical altercations or carry weapons. Studies have shown that they possess stronger executive function skills and therefore, higher academic performance. Moreover, they show lower signs of anxiety and depression which are factors that contribute to substance abuse and teen suicide.
In relation to Canada’s immigrant population, Statistics Canada states young immigrants are 32% less likely to participate in sport. This is primarily due to the cost of programming in relation to the cost of living and their families balancing their expenses required to survive. While families prioritize necessities of life, quality and affordable programming would help immigrant children to practice language skills, make new friends, learn about Canadian society, and enjoy meaningful social interactions while also allowing their parents to expand their own social networks, improve their mental health and connect with their new neighbourhoods