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Expanding Access: The Importance of Sports Programs in Underserved Population

Sports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for physical health, social development, and community engagement. However, access to sports programs remains a privilege rather than a right for many underserved populations in Canada. Children and youth from low-income families, Indigenous communities, rural areas, and immigrant backgrounds often face barriers that prevent them from participating in organized sports.

This blog post will explore the importance of expanding access to sports programs in underserved communities, drawing on Canadian research to highlight the benefits of participation, the challenges faced, and potential solutions to bridge the gap.

The Benefits of Sports Participation for Underserved Populations

1. Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Participation in sports is linked to numerous health benefits, particularly for children and youth. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which disproportionately affect lower-income and Indigenous communities in Canada (Government of Canada, 2023).

Mental health benefits are equally significant. A study by ParticipACTION (2023) found that children who engage in sports experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved self-esteem, and better overall well-being. For youth in underserved populations, who may face additional stressors related to poverty, discrimination, or social isolation, sports can provide a critical outlet for stress relief and emotional regulation.

2. Academic and Career Advantages

Engagement in sports is associated with improved academic performance. A report by the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (2022) found that children who participate in organized sports are more likely to excel in school, develop better time management skills, and pursue post-secondary education.

Additionally, the teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills developed through sports translate into career success. Research from the University of Toronto (2021) indicates that students involved in extracurricular sports are more likely to realize employment in leadership roles later in life. By expanding access to sports, we are not only fostering healthier individuals but also equipping young people with skills that will serve them in their professional futures.

3. Social Inclusion and Community Building

Sports programs create opportunities for socialization and belonging, which are particularly vital for marginalized communities. A study by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (2022) found that sports help newcomers to Canada integrate more easily by providing a space to build relationships and learn cultural norms.

For Indigenous youth, culturally relevant sports programs—such as lacrosse, which has deep roots in Indigenous traditions—can serve as a way to connect with their heritage while also fostering resilience and empowerment (Aboriginal Sport Circle, 2023).

Expanding access to sports ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have an opportunity to engage with their peers, develop friendships, and build supportive networks within their communities.

Barriers to Participation in Sports

Despite the well-documented benefits, underserved populations in Canada continue to face significant barriers to sports participation.

1. Financial Constraints

The cost of organized sports is a major barrier for many families. A report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (2023) found that the average annual cost of youth sports in Canada exceeds $1,000 per child. Expenses include registration fees, equipment, transportation, and tournament costs, making participation unattainable for many low-income families.

Programs such as KidSport Canada and Canadian Tire Jumpstart provide funding for low-income families, but demand for these subsidies often exceeds availability, leaving many children without access.

2. Geographic and Infrastructure Challenges

Children living in rural or remote communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing sports programs. A study by the Rural Ontario Institute (2023) found that 60% of rural youth lack access to local recreational facilities. Long distances to sports venues, lack of public transportation, and a shortage of qualified coaches and officials further limit opportunities for participation.

Indigenous communities, in particular, suffer from a lack of infrastructure. Many reserves do not have adequate facilities for organized sports, and limited funding means that existing programs often operate with insufficient resources (Assembly of First Nations, 2023).

3. Cultural and Systemic Barriers

Newcomer families and racialized communities may experience additional barriers related to discrimination or lack of culturally relevant programs. According to a study by the Multicultural Council of Canada (2023), many immigrant families face challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliarity with Canadian sports culture, and financial constraints that prevent their children from participating.

Girls and young women from underserved communities are also at a disadvantage. The Canadian Women & Sport organization (2023) reports that girls are twice as likely as boys to drop out of sports by the age of 14, often due to cultural expectations, lack of female coaches, or feelings of exclusion.

Solutions: How to Expand Access to Sports Programs

1. Increased Funding and Subsidies

Government support and corporate sponsorships can play a crucial role in expanding access to sports programs. The federal government’s Sport Support Program already funds initiatives for underrepresented groups, but additional investment is needed to reach more children (Government of Canada, 2023).

Private organizations can also step up. Programs like Jumpstart and Right to Play have made significant impacts, but greater collaboration between businesses and community organizations could expand their reach.

2. Investment in Community Infrastructure

Building and maintaining accessible sports facilities in underserved communities is critical. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (2023) has allocated funding for recreational projects, but more targeted efforts are needed in rural and Indigenous areas.

Mobile sports programs—such as the PLAY (Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth) initiative—offer an innovative approach by bringing sports equipment and coaching to remote communities (Right to Play Canada, 2023).

3. Development of Culturally Relevant Programs

Programs that reflect the cultural backgrounds of participants are more likely to engage youth from underserved communities. Indigenous-led initiatives like Spirit North, which promotes skiing and outdoor activities for Indigenous youth, have demonstrated the success of culturally tailored approaches (Spirit North, 2023).

Similarly, ensuring that sports leagues offer programs that are inclusive of girls, newcomers, and racialized communities will help create a more equitable playing field.

4. Coaching and Mentorship Opportunities

Representation matters. Recruiting and training coaches from within underserved communities can foster a sense of belonging and encourage participation. Research by the Coaching Association of Canada (2023) found that youth are more likely to stay engaged in sports when they see role models who share their background.

Mentorship programs, such as the Girls in Sport Leadership Initiative, help address gender disparities by empowering young women to take on leadership roles in sports (Canadian Women & Sport, 2023).

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Expanding access to sports programs for underserved populations in Canada is not just about promoting physical activity—it is about fostering healthier communities, improving educational and career outcomes, and creating a more inclusive society. While financial, geographic, and cultural barriers remain significant, strategic investment and policy changes can make a lasting impact.

By prioritizing funding, improving infrastructure, supporting culturally relevant programming, and ensuring diverse representation in coaching and leadership, we can ensure that all Canadian children have the opportunity to reap the lifelong benefits of sports participation.

It is time for governments, businesses, and community organizations to work together to make sports accessible to every child in Canada—because no child should be left on the sidelines.

Rising Stars is proud to be making a significant impact in expanding access to sports programs for underserved populations. Through our inclusive and community-driven approach, Rising Stars provides high-quality sports training and mentorship to youth who might otherwise face barriers to participation. By offering affordable programs, scholarships, and outreach initiatives, Rising Stars ensures that financial constraints do not prevent young athletes from developing their skills and confidence. Rising Stars also focuses on creating a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and leadership, helping youth from diverse backgrounds thrive both on and off the field. As we work toward making sports more accessible across Canada, Rising Stars and similar organizations play a crucial role in leveling the playing field and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Rising Stars

MORRIS PARRAS

RS Technical Director

Brock University, NCCP Level III

SPECIALTIES

*Soccer Development
*Sport Promotion

VAL SEARGEANT

RS Technical Director

Humber College, Dip.
NCCP – Physical Literacy, Master Trainer
Athletics Ontario – RJTW, Master Trainer

SPECIALTIES

*Track & Field  
*Athletic Development

As a Technical Director at Rising Stars, Val coordinates both recreation and competitive track and field programs in support of youth, students-athletes and athletes of all abilities.

As a former elite athlete, Val competed and set records in both track and field events.  He is a two-time member of the Canadian National Track and Field Team, and a former Barbados 110mH National Champion.  Val is a Run Jump Throw Wheel Facilitator for Athletics Ontario, the recognized provincial sport organization for Track & Field, Cross Country, and Road Racing in Ontario.  Val is the founder and head coach of Stoney Creek Athletics and the Track & Field Coordinator for the International CANUSA Games.  He also currently serves as the Head Para Athletics Coach for the Hamilton Olympic Club.

MELISSA FAMME

RS Regional Director – Athletics & Education

Waterloo University, BA
Lakehead University B.Ed, M. Ed

NCAA: Referee/Official
High Five: Principles of Healthy Child Development
Sport for Life: Physical Literacy for Early Childhood

SPECIALTIES

Sport Development 
Youth Development

LYNN CAMPANELLA

RS Technical Director – Play & Recess

NCCP: Coaches Physical Literacy Training

SPECIALTIES

Play & Recreation
Recess Programming

High Five: Principles of Healthy Child Development
Sport for Life: Physical Literacy Instructor Program
Sport for Life: Physical Literacy for Early Childhood
Member of the US Play Coalition (Since 2011)
Founder of the Canadian Play Network
Creator of the PlanetPlay Stencil line

MATT KING

Regional Director

Lakehead University, B.A.
University of Newcastle – Australia, B.Ed
Specialist PE & Health

SPECIALTIES

*Indigenous Education
*Youth & Sport Development

As a Regional Director with Rising Stars, Matt coordinates and facilitates various programs across both our athletics and education divisions. He currently serves as the Director of Rising Stars Basketball Academy Six Nations.

Matt King grew up as an all star athlete. He played NAIG for Team Ontario, and represented Ontario at National Aboriginal basketball camp, where he was selected MVP. Matt competed as a varsity athlete for the Mens Basketball Team at Laurier and Lakehead Universities, and went on to coach U Sport at both Lakehead and Guelph. Matt continued his education and began a professional career as a certified teacher. After ten years of dedicated service as a teacher, coach and Athletic Director (Chair) with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Matt embarked on a new professional adventure, while continuing to compete in triathlons and Iron-Man races. As a Regional Director with Rising Stars, Matt coordinates and facilitates various programs across both our athletics and education divisions. Matt specializes in facilitating programs and instruction for youth, students, and athletes, both on and off reserve. He currently serves as the Director of Rising Stars Basketball Academy – Six Nations.

DEE CHANNER

RS Associate Director

Laurier University, B.A.
Queensland University of Technology – Australia, B.Ed,

SPECIALTIES

*Basketball Development
*Indigenous Education

As an Associate Director at Rising Stars, Dee coordinates programs both in the athletics and education divisions in support of youth, students, and athletes, both on and off reserves.

Delicia Channer competed as a varsity athlete for Laurier University Women’s Basketball Team, where she was the team captain and a division all star. Dee continued her education and began a professional career as a certified teacher. Dee now serves as an Associate Director with Rising Stars. She is a LEAD Facilitator for Indigenous projects, programs, and services. In this role, Dee facilities creative programs and workshops that promote Indigenous awareness and empowerment. As Rising Stars most Senior Programs Instructor & Facilitator, Dee coordinates programs in both the athletics and education divisions. Dee specializes in facilitating programs and instruction for youth, students, and athletes, both on and off reserve. She currently serves as the Head Coach for the Conestoga College Women’s Basketball team.

ERIN FORMAN

Senior Vice President, Director of Programs

Spring Arbor University, BSc Concurrent Education
Specialist Sport Science

SPECIALTIES

* Female Empowerment
* Sport Development

As the Senior Vice President at Rising Stars Athletics & Education, Erin serves as the General Manager of the Education Division. Erin facilitates Advanced Programs and Instruction for administrators, coaches, and teachers. Erin develops and designs programs and curriculum for student engagement and athlete development.

Erin Forman is former member of both Softball Canada’s National team program and Baseball Canada’s National Team. She played in the 2004 Women’s World Series in Japan, and the 2006 World Cup in Taipei. Erin was named All American, All Conference, and Player of the Year, while playing on a U.S. Softball Scholarship. She was recently  inducted into the hall of fame for her achievements in sport. Though Erin’s sport specific bio clearly demonstrates an extensive combination of all around athleticism and personal achievement in softball that very few athletes can claim, equally impressive is her continued commitment to helping others achieve their goals through sport and education in her professional endeavours. Erin serves as role model in her trade and community. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to making positive differences in the lives of others.

Erin continues to use sport as a vehicle to empower others in the work she does in coaching, and also in her professional endeavours. As a founding partner and Director of Softball Development at Rising Stars, Erin has become one of the most highly sought teachers and coaches of the game. Erin is on the cutting edge of instructional techniques, tools, and theories for optimal development. She has worked with countless local and regional athletes, supporting aspiring student-athletes as they continue in their positive development and successfully pursue opportunities to play college or university ball in Canada, and/or secure U.S. softball scholarships, with many advancing to become provincial and national calibre softball players.

DR. ANDREW PETERS

Founding Partner, President & Chair

McMaster University, B.A., M.A
University of Western Ontario – Ph.D

SPECIALTIES

*Leadership & Empowerment
*Youth & Community Development

As the original Founding Partner of what would eventually become the Rising Stars Group of companies, Dr Peters has been instrumental in the continued expansion and reach of positive sport, youth, and community development programs and special projects.

From early beginnings as a competitive student athlete in the Hamilton region, and many local achievements and recognitions at the secondary level, Dr Peters went on to compete as a varsity athlete for McMaster University, winning numerous regional, provincial and national medals as a member of the Men’s Basketball Team. Dr Peters earned both a B.A., and M.A. at McMaster University, and went on to acquire a teaching certificate from D’Youville College, and a Ph.D. at the University of Western Ontario. These formative years laid the foundation for what would eventually become Rising Stars Athletics and Education.

He continues to serve as the conglomerate’s most senior executive, with 25 years of success in youth and community development through athletics and education. He continues to leverage his passion and extensive experience to engage youth and community in a positive and healthy development.

Dr. Peters devotes his time and energy to creating and partnering with stakeholders in the facilitation of innovative student and athlete development programs. Through strategic partnerships with national, professional, and elite athletes, coaches, sport science professionals, and educators, Dr Peters continues to collaborate with local organizations and expand through offering a variety of programs designed specifically for the benefit of athletes, students, schools, and communities.