Donation

Communities Served

North Toronto Sports Foundation funds inclusive sports programs based in the North Toronto area that attract children and youth of all abilities from the local community and across Toronto.

A program helping to overcome impacts of intellectual and physical disabilities

All-Abilities Sports Program

Special Olympics Soccer and Para Sports programs operate year-round, providing 67 special needs children and youth with opportunities to experience community sports.

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Two Inclusive Soccer Programs support low-income families facing financial barriers

Refugee and Recent Immigrant Program

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Supporting refugees and recent immigrants to Toronto to participate in North Toronto Soccer Club programs. Most children from immigrant families have played soccer in their home country or in refugee camps. When they join a team or a program, they fit in immediately, are appreciated by their teammates, and feel welcome in their new community.

Low Income Family Inclusion Program

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Scholarships and fee assistance for children and youth from families with limited financial resources who are participating in community soccer programs from recreational to competitive levels. 

A program supporting physical activity and sports in schools in priority neighbourhoods 

School Sports Inclusion Program

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North Toronto Sports Foundation fully funds programs in under-served schools that provide children from families in low-income neighborhoods with improved access to physical activity and organized sports.

The SWAN initiative in the Toronto District School Board’s LAWRENCE HEIGHTS family of schools focuses on the physical well-being of children in local schools, and the relationship between wellness and academic achievement.

North Toronto Community Profile

The North Toronto area - located in the centre of the City of Toronto - is home to 337,000 people = 12% of Toronto, living in a densely populated, rapidly growing and economically diverse area.  The area contains relatively affluent neighbourhoods alongside Toronto Community Housing neighbourhoods and numerous immigrant and family shelters.

Low Income and Poverty

  • Over 10% of North Toronto families with children exist at the poverty level
  • 10.5% of households are in the bottom income decile = 35,000 residents
  • 10.1% of children ages 0-17 (-6,000 residents) live in households in the bottom income level based on the LIM-AT low income measure
  • 10.% of residents with taxable income have after-tax income below $10,000; and additional 4% have no taxable income
  • North Toronto is home to 276 Toronto Community Housing buildings in complexes of 5+ units. The larges t concentration – in Lawrence Heights – is tripling in size.
  • There are a growing number of temporary immigration shelter units and family shelters
  • Numerous low-income families  often with a single parent – live in the general community.

Recent Immigrants – direct external

  • As a % of total population:
     CanadaToronto census areaNorth Toronto
    Past 1 year0.82%1.33%1.62%
    Past 5 years4.70%7.70%9.32%

Population Growth

  • The population of the North Toronto area grew more quickly (+8.4%) than the City of Toronto as a whole (+6.9%) during the 10-year period from 2011 to 2021 as a result of the intensification of residential housing.
  • The population of children and youth ages 5 to 19 grew in North Toronto (+6.2%) from 2011 to 2021, even as it declined in the City as a whole (-3-6%). This is consistent with a 25-year trend. 

Map of North Toronto area