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Optimizing performance in soccer requires collaboration among coaches, physicians, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists to provide tailored recommendations. A recent study offers valuable insights into essential factors, including hydration status and training load structure, crucial for optimizing body composition and health.

To combat escalating abuse from parents and coaches, a minor soccer association plans to equip referees with body cameras aiming to protect young referees and deter aggressive behaviour. In Ontario, a pilot project with referee-worn cameras has shown promise, acting as a visual deterrent against abuse and providing referees with a tool to record incidents.

As we learn more about the environment and look for ways to keep the Earth clean, we look to reduce the waste that we create. No matter who you are in the sport sector, whether it be an athlete, parent, coach, or administrator, changes can be made to reduce environmental footprint. This blog provides information around waste from the sport sector and offers possible solutions for waste reduction.

Tennis is more than a sport; it’s a gateway to empowerment and inclusivity. Its appeal lies in the rhythm of the game, the strategy, and the ability to bond communities through a shared passion. However, accessing tennis hasn’t always been equitable. And yet, Tennis Canada is changing that narrative through a pioneering partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto. 

One of the goals of the partnership is to show that tennis is a sport anyone can enjoy and to make tennis more accessible for underserved kids in the Greater Toronto Area, while partnering with one of the best not-for-profit youth advocacy organizations in Toronto. 

The catalyst: UNMATCHED Gender Equity in Sports Conference 2022 

The catalyst for transformative change emerged during Tennis Canada’s inaugural UNMATCHED Gender Equity in Sports Conference in August 2022. This conference was a key component of Tennis Canada’s gender advancement and equity strategy, supported by National Bank. The primary aim was to move beyond theoretical discussions and translate research-based insights into tangible actions that could positively impact the sports landscape. The audience was challenged to “find their forward” to advance gender equity in sport in Canada. 

One of the notable speakers that emerged during this conference was Leanne Nicolle, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto. With an extensive background in sports, Nicolle brought a unique perspective to the table, highlighting the critical need to reach those who face barriers preventing them from accessing sports. Her emphasis on going beyond those with existing access and considering those who couldn’t fathom participating due to various challenges set the stage for a groundbreaking collaboration. 

Tennis Canada’s passion for inclusivity aligned with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s dedication to mentorship. The partnership wasn’t just about playing tennis; it was about leveraging the sport to create meaningful mentorship opportunities for youth facing adversities. 

The need for non-traditional partnerships 

To provide context and rationale for the collaboration, some compelling statistics underscored existing gaps in sports accessibility. MLSE Foundation (2021) and Canadian Tire Jumpstart (2023) found that 75% of parents thought organized sports needed to be more financially accessible, 44% of parents felt financial constraints prevented their children from participating in organized sports and 60% of youth in Ontario are without access to sport wear. Additionally, research showed 23% of those who participate in sport have a strong sense of community compared to only 7% of youth who do not participate (State of Sport Report 2023 and Change the Game Research 2.0. 2021).  

Leveraging research for impactful partnerships 

While research proved to play a pivotal role in driving the impact of the partnership, the UNMATCHED Conference provided a platform to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and tangible actions. Nicolle’s insights, grounded in experience, showed the need to move beyond surface-level discussions and address the root causes of disparities in sports accessibility. 

The strategic partnership unveiled 

The breakthrough moment occurred when Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto revealed its well-researched mentorship programs and the significant impact on health and social outcomes, particularly for children in equity-deserving communities. Recognizing the potential for aligning their goals, Tennis Canada saw an opportunity to use its resources, including Sport Canada funding through its Community Sport For All Initiative, to create a unique and mutually beneficial partnership. 

Crucially, the collaboration wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Tennis Canada recognized the need to leverage existing programs, certified coaches, and tennis facilities to create accessible and enjoyable experiences. With a grant of $75,000 from Sport Canada, Tennis Canada initiated a pilot project to introduce tennis to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s ‘Littles’ (mentees) and ‘Bigs’ (mentors) throughout 2023. 

Their mission was clear: to increase tennis participation among youth, particularly engaging young girls, and to cultivate a robust network of mentors and volunteers. It was an effort to democratize a sport that holds immense potential for personal development and community cohesion. And this collaboration wasn’t merely theoretical; it was grounded in practical strategies.  

Implementation: From try-it days to grand tournaments 

The pilot project implementation encompassed try-it days, exposure to inspiring professional sports events, and dedicated days at prestigious tournaments like the National Bank Open in August 2023. These initiatives aimed not only to introduce the sport but also to provide the participants with a sense of belonging.  

The outcomes of the pilot project were impressive. Over 140 participants from underserved communities experienced tennis, with 72% feeling they learned to play, 89% motivated to try new activities, and 94% expressing confidence in exploring new endeavors. The impact extended beyond sports, fostering connections, empowerment, and community engagement. 

Sustainability: A work in progress 

The sustainability of the program remains a work in progress. Tennis Canada has applied for additional funding to expand and replicate the initiative. The ultimate goal is to create a foundation for sport literacy, providing tools and opportunities for continued participation. 

While Tennis Canada’s initiative focused on introducing sport to underserved communities, there is a need to balance programmatic efforts with addressing broader social issues, which is something that organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto is already tackling. 

Looking ahead: Transformative potential 

The collaborative efforts between Tennis Canada and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto not only showcased the immediate impact on participants but also raised critical questions about the transformative potential of sports partnerships. While the initiative focused on introducing sport to underserved communities, it also opens avenues for further exploration into how sports partnerships, including the integration of impactful sport research and insights, can be transformative on a broader societal scale. 

Beyond the field: Social impact of sports 

Tennis Canada’s collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto wasn’t just about fostering a love for a sport; it was about pioneering a model for social change. The call to action is clear; think differently, collaborate intentionally, and turn theory into impactful action.  

By prioritizing inclusivity, mentorship, and evidence-based strategies, this partnership moves past the conventional role of sports organizations. It challenges sport organizations and researchers to consolidate resources and strategy, reassess their approaches, prioritize collaboration, and consider the broader societal impact of their initiatives. As well as demonstrating the power of accessible and positive sport experiences to build a more equitable and compassionate society.  

This information was part of the keynote speech delivered at the Sport Canada Research Initiative (SCRI) conference in October 2023. 

There are many things that need to be considered when planning a sport event. The Canadian Disability Participation Project has created a module called Training and Managing Disability Sport Event Volunteers: Recommendations and Resources to help any sporting body or sport event manager in training and managing a volunteer workforce. It includes 12 best practice recommendations for training and managing sport event volunteers, as well as other documents and templates.

In trying to strive to create more inclusive spaces for everyone, one piece that is still missing is equality in sport media representation. With over 90 percent of Canadian sports media coverage being focused on men’s sport the Government of Canada has committed to reaching gender equity in sport. This SIRC article has a collection of blogs focused on Canadian women in sport.

With the rise of technology, video games have become an incredibly common past-time for many people all around the world. As technology advances, the lines between what is considered ‘real’ or ‘virtual’ can begin to blur. One example of this is whether or not video games, at a high-level, can be considered sport. This article gives insight into the flourishing landscape of eSports, also known as professional or high-performance gaming.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become increasingly popular and common. AI can be beneficial in improving work efficiency and reducing workload of staff. This SIRC blog outlines 3 different AI tools and how they can be used in order to aid sport organizations communications efforts.

The increasing cost of youth sport participation has long been a concern for parents and policymakers alike. How issues of affordability show up varies depending upon intersectional realities of income, geography, ability, accessibility of appropriate spaces and more.

This blog draws on recent insights from the Change the Game open data portal. We reflect on study findings concerning affordability, why it is important to prioritize free or low-cost opportunities when a multitude of barriers exist and share calls to action for sport funders and policymakers.

Does hosting the Olympics result in a higher medal count for the host country? A recent study examined purported home advantage at the summer Olympics from 1996 to 2021. The findings suggest that assumptions about the “host effect” are exaggerated.