The EODSA is pleased to share news of the Gloucester Dragons' program to help new Canadians join the game of soccer.

The Gloucester Dragons started what we call our New Canadians Program in 2023. We offer free soccer to new Canadians who don’t have the means to play soccer. New Canadians have lots to deal with when they begin a new life in Canada. They don’t usually have the time or the funds to register for soccer. We work with a multicultural liaison officer from one of the school boards who works out of a few schools in our neighbourhood. She identifies worthy families, tells them about our program, and connects the families with the Dragons.

Families with limited funds could always apply to Jumpstart for funding, and this is still an option, but new Canadians often have a language barrier and are not likely to submit an application to Jumpstart. The Dragons received a small grant from Jumpstart to help cover the cost of this program in 2023 and in 2024.

So far, we have had about 10 players each year in the program. We would like to find more."

David Lowe, Vice President of the Gloucester Dragons

Please reach out to David if you have any questions about the program by e-mail at:  info@dragonsoccer.ca