This year marks KidSport Greater Victoria’s 25th anniversary of helping local children access sports. This spring, KidSport set a community fundraising goal of $25,000, a target that a generous donor pledged to match dollar-for-dollar, which would double it to $50,000. This campaign helped place an even larger spotlight on KidSport’s remarkable legacy. KidSport Greater Victoria has directly helped over 17,000 kids and raised more than $4.5 million to support access to sport in their 25 years, and that means thousands of children who might have been left on the sidelines were instead able to join teams, learn skills, and build confidence through play.
KidSport believes that no child should be left out of organized sports due to cost and over the years, they have worked tirelessly to break down financial barriers by providing grants for sports registration fees. Soccer has been one of the most supported sports in KidSport Victoria’s efforts and they have helped so many to be able to join soccer programs in the region. Many young athletes have been able to find a home in local soccer clubs and programs thanks to the work done by KidSport.
The Powered By Pacific FC Youth Development Program has built a special connection with KidSport. As a community-focused soccer initiative, the program has seen just how access to sport can shape a child’s life. KidSport’s support has directly helped local youth join teams and training programs, including those affiliated with Pacific FC that they may not have been able to afford without. KidSport had invited local sports groups to develop their own fundraisers as part of the 25-year celebrations, and Pacific FC’s youth development stepped up eagerly to join the cause.
Senior Manager of Operations for Pacific FC youth development, Giuliano Caseiro, had this to say when asked about the initiative, "At Pacific FC we have been able to witness how instrumental KidSport has been in keeping children playing sports despite their families financial hardships. We jumped right at it to support them when they called us.”
United by generosity and their shared love of the game, the youth players, their families, coaches, and supporters organized its own fundraising drive as part of the larger KidSport campaign, aiming to collect at least $1,200. Thanks to an outpouring of community support, the Powered By Pacific FC Youth Program surpassed its $1,200 fundraising goal, ultimately collecting $1,250 for KidSport. Surpassing the goal wasn’t just about the money raised, it was a symbol of community spirit and teamwork off the field. Their combined efforts demonstrate that when a community comes together for a cause, great things can happen.
The funds raised by the youth program will directly help KidSport reach more children in Greater Victoria. That $1,250 means several kids will have their season fees covered and can lace up their boots and join a team with their peers this year. Every dollar raised and every child helped reinforces the idea that sports truly bring people together not just in competition, but in community.
“We are extremely happy to reach our goal.” Giuliano Caseiro said, proudly. “Making sure more kids get to enjoy and participate in physical activities, especially these days where mobile devices can be more predominant, is definitely refreshing and encouraging!"
Learn more about KidSport Victoria and how you can help here: https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/greater-victoria/