Proudly sponsored by Doug Tarry
Only 10 organizations were chosen, by Ontario Soccer, to pilot the ‘Same Game’ project, which helps clubs create more opportunities for female leaders. One of those organizations was the St. Thomas Soccer Club (STSC), which is excitedly embarking the piloting a female coaching mentorship and leadership group.
Said Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer’s CEO: “Ontario Soccer is committed to developing our female leaders within the sport … Same Game will enable these select organizations to begin building gender equality into the fabric of their community and carry that trend on to the field.”
The Same Game project is run in partnership with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS). The model provides six steps to help community clubs embed gender equality into their organizations and make tangible improvements in the retention and promotion of girls and women within and through sport.
Says the St. Thomas Soccer Club: “We want to empower and support our female players and coaches to be strong – both on the field and in the community.”
Meanwhile at the STSC, the club has expanded to three teams in the London & Area Women’s Soccer League (LAWSL), in addition to offering its popular in-house women’s recreational league. At the youth level, girls programs are offered in both recreational and competitive soccer. This season, the club boasts 25 youth recreational girls teams and 12 competitive female squads.
The annual Girls Soccerfest tournament takes place July 27-28. What’s it about? Besides fantastic soccer action, it provides an opportunity to celebrate, inspire and encourage female soccer players to continue being involved in the sport for a lifetime!
Contributions by Meaghan Vader, St. Thomas Soccer Club
