KickStart gives youth a third space to thrive
The third annual KickStart Community Cup tournament took place this past June at MLSE LaunchPad.
Participants enjoying a group activity
Ninety youth from six Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) communities joined 60 other youth from community partners to participate in an afternoon of soccer.
The Community Cup tournament is a part of KickStart. This soccer program runs each year in the spring and summer for children ages 6 to 14 who live in TCHC. It is run in partnership with MLSE Foundation, Toronto FC, and BMO. Last year, more than 500 children from over a dozen TCHC communities took part.
Boys and girls from The Esplanade, Parkdale, Cataraqui, Glendower, Capri, and Islington communities competed against each other.
“Soccer is a hot sport right now because of the FIFA World Cup,” said Tristan Sharma, a program coordinator with TCHC. “With Canada hosting its first ever tournament, the game will continue to grow among young people across the city and country.”
Tristan grew up in the Greenbrae community in Scarborough. He first got involved with KickStart as a senior program leader. Now working full-time as a staff member, he champions programming for young tenants and their families.
“Kids spend a lot of time at home and at school,” explained Tristan. “Our programs provide that third space where they can learn and excel.”
TCHC youth learn more than just soccer through KickStart. They learn life skills like teamwork and resilience. With guidance from the program’s coaches and mentors, like Tristan, youth have a safe space where they can thrive.
You can learn more about KickStart and other youth programs at
torontohousing.ca/youthprograms.
