Barriers to Participation

The Welland Soccer Club (WSC) strives to be a leader in the soccer community by providing  opportunities for all interested participants.  

The WSC recognizes and understands the need and desire for sport in life. In the spirit of sport, the WSC  does everything it can to encourage its participants to feel safe, respected and comfortable in being  themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities.  

The WSC is focused on facilitating the process of new participants. A club including immigrants, refugees  and people moving from outside the city, province and/or country. Regardless of age, gender, race,  religion, disability, or sexual orientation. 

The WSC respects all its participants, providing them with full access and promoting equal treatment  and opportunity while working to eliminate all forms of discrimination. Engaging all our participants in  the decision-making process that affect their lives.

We pride ourselves on being a community first club by offering  programs and partnerships to help reduce barriers to participation.  

Partnerships and mechanisms include: 

– Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program: Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers  to sport and recreation to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/ 

– Niagara Kids Benefit: The Niagara Kids Benefit supports children and youth of Ontario Works and  Ontario Disability Support Program recipients living in Niagara in a sport, recreation, or arts program  of their choice. https://www.niagararegion.ca/social-services/discretionary-benefits/kids.aspx 

– Pelham Cares: Pelham Cares services provided have evolved from providing food and friendly visits  to include food, personal hygiene and household items, transportation to medical appointments,  the sponsorship of youth to enable their participation in sports, recreational and educational  activities, and information and referrals in response to emergency situations. https://pelhamcares.org/