This spring and summer, the Newcomer Child and Youth Connection (NCYC) proudly supported three boys’ soccer teams competing in Calgary’s outdoor leagues, in partnership with Lions Soccer Club & Academy (LSCA). Two teams (U17 and U19) played in the Calgary Minor Soccer Association, while the U23 team competed in the Calgary United Soccer Association.
These teams emerged out of the Sport for Settlement program, a Sport Canada-funded program providing structured, inclusive, and accessible sport opportunities for refugee youth aged 14–24. Many of the players—originating from countries such as Sudan, DRC, Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen—are newly arrived refugees experiencing their first structured soccer season in Canada.
Practicing 1–2 times weekly with qualified coaches and playing weekly games, the boys gained far more than just soccer skills. They built friendships, improved physical literacy, and developed a strong sense of community and belonging. For some, this was a return to the field; for others, it was the beginning of a new journey in Canadian sport.
The final games wrapped up mid-September, capping off a successful outdoor season filled with growth and connection.
As we look ahead to the indoor season, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum—expanding opportunities for newcomer youth to thrive through sport, both on and off the field.
