Sportall Community & Family Filter – MLSE Foundation – Change the Game Report
Why This Report Matters
The University of Toronto and MLSE Foundation’s Change the Game report brings together youth voices and fresh data to better understand the realities facing young people in sport.
It doesn’t just look at participation numbers.
It looks at belonging, barriers, lived experience, and opportunity gaps.
If we truly want sport to be a vehicle for confidence, resilience and connection, this report gives us important direction.
👉 Read the full report here:
https://www.mlsefoundation.org/how-we-give/research
The Big Takeaways (Plain Language)
Here’s what stood out:
- Access is still unequal. Cost, transportation and facility availability remain major barriers.
- Belonging drives retention. Youth are more likely to stay in sport when they feel safe, seen and valued.
- Community infrastructure matters more than one-off fixes. Sustainable programs beat short-term subsidies.
- Youth voices matter. When young people are included in decision-making, programs improve.
- Sport impacts more than physical health. Confidence, academic engagement and emotional well-being are strongly connected.
This isn’t new information — but it is reinforced with real data and youth feedback.
🏟 If You Run a Community Group…
Here’s what this means at the grassroots level.
1️⃣ Culture Is Your Competitive Advantage
Belonging isn’t automatic. It’s designed.
- Do new participants feel welcomed in the first 5 minutes?
- Is your language inclusive?
- Are coaches trained in creating safe, positive spaces?
Small cultural shifts often matter more than budget increases.
2️⃣ Reduce Friction Wherever Possible
Cost and logistics are still barriers.
Consider:
- Equipment-sharing options
- Flexible payment plans
- Clear communication about financial assistance
- Adjusting schedules to reflect working family realities
Sometimes “access” is about clarity, not cash.
3️⃣ Involve Youth Voices
Ask participants:
- What makes this program fun?
- What would make it better?
- What makes you want to come back?
Youth engagement is not symbolic — it’s strategic.
👨👩👧 If You’re a Parent (or Looking to Join)
Here’s what this report means for you.
1️⃣ Sport Is About More Than Skill Development
Confidence. Belonging. Social growth. Emotional resilience.
If your child feels connected, they are gaining far more than fitness.
2️⃣ It’s Okay to Ask Questions
When evaluating programs, ask:
- How do you create a welcoming environment?
- What happens if my child is new or unsure?
- How do you handle inclusion and safety?
Strong programs will welcome these conversations.
3️⃣ Your Voice Matters Too
If cost or access is a barrier, say so.
Reports like this exist because families spoke up. Change happens when communities share their realities.
✔ 3 Things You Can Do This Week
If You Run a Group:
- Review your registration page through a “first-time family” lens.
- Ask one participant what makes them feel included.
- Highlight one story of belonging on your social media.
If You’re a Parent:
- Ask your child what makes sport fun for them.
- Reach out to a local group with a question you’ve been hesitant to ask.
- Share equipment or carpool with another family if possible.
Small actions move culture forward.
The Sportall Reflection
Research continues to confirm something many of us have experienced personally:
Sport works best when it builds connection before competition.
The data is clear. The voices are clear.
Now the opportunity sits with communities.
Reports don’t move the needle on their own.
People do.
And when grassroots groups and families align around belonging, access and shared responsibility — that’s when momentum becomes movement.
