Newcomers Program
Provinces across Canada are being transformed by immigration, and the sport system is also affected as some sports, likely those that have been traditionally popular in Canada, may see their participation levels decline. Other sport and physical activity organizations, with which newcomer Canadians are familiar (e.g. soccer), may grow in popularity, especially if they choose to expand their programming to meet the needs of these newcomers.
Regardless of participation levels, it is the responsibility of all sport and physical activity leaders to ensure that the system is accessible to all Canadians. We must become familiar with, and empathetic to, the unique circumstances that prevent some newcomers from fully participating in sport and physical activity.
Newcomers Program
The Project is conceived as a soccer program of up to one hour, twice a week, for children aged 4-18.This project is independent of our regular programs. They will be coached by apprentice newcomers coaches supervised and mentored by experienced Ignite Soccer Club coaches. Players that are interested in playing the Youth Summer League would be offered the opportunity to join our regular teams. Also participating apprentice coaches are provided with several opportunities through their involvement in the program, such as exposure to the Halifax club environment, affiliation with a local club, coach development from qualified and experienced club coaches and potential coaching positions within the club.
Additionally, coaches looking for playing opportunities for themselves, children, family and/or friends can join our senior team or find a team with the established connection to their local club. The involvement in the club scene provides coaches with additional knowledge for how the soccer structure works in Nova Scotia and Canada.
Registration opens May 1st, 2023
Newcomers Girls and Women Program
Engaging and integrating newcomers into all aspects of community life is a priority across Canada. But, traditionally, most sport and physical activity initiatives that focus on engaging newcomers do not take gender differences into consideration. Programs are offered for children, youth, adults, and families—without looking at the specific needs of girls and women. It is important that initiatives for newcomers apply a gender lens in the development and implementation processes. If we better understand the unique challenges girls and women face concerning their participation, we can make sport and physical activity programs more effective. The Project is conceived as a soccer program of up to one hour, twice a week, for girls and women aged 4-20. This project is independent of our regular programs. They will be coached by apprentice newcomers female coaches supervised and mentored by Ignite Soccer Club female coaches. Players that are interested in playing the Youth Summer League would be offered the opportunity to join our regular teams.
Registration opens May 1st, 2023