By: Julia Lewis
This June, the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) will bring its National Tournament & Forum to Montreal, welcoming players, advocates, community leaders, partners, and supporters from across the country for two impactful days centered around connection, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.
Following last year’s gathering in Mississauga, Ontario, the 2026 event continues to grow, bringing together voices from coast to coast in a safe and supportive space built through sport, dialogue, and shared experience.
“This gathering represents something bigger than a tournament. It’s a statement that every person deserves connection, dignity, and the chance to be part of something greater. Montreal is where we make that statement together.”
— Hossam, CEO, Canadian Street Soccer Association
Event Overview
Participants from across Canada will begin arriving on June 4 for a team dinner, offering players and guests an opportunity to connect, share stories, and prepare for the days ahead.
The event officially begins on June 5 with the CSSA Homelessness & Vulnerability Action Forum at Université de Montréal – Campus MIL.
Focused on homelessness, vulnerability, and collaborative community solutions, the forum will bring together frontline workers, athletes, advocates, community leaders, and decision-makers for important conversations grounded in lived experience and practical action.
Discussions will explore how sport, community organizations, public safety, and social services can work together to better support vulnerable populations across Canada.
The forum will be hosted by Meeker Guerrier, host and sports columnist with RDS.
Key guests joining the discussion include:
- Fady Dagher, Chief of Police, SPVM
- Julien David-Pelletier, Commissioner on Homelessness for the City of Montreal
The event is proudly supported by RBC, the City of Montreal, Université de Montréal, SPVM, Socceroof, St-Viateur Bagel, and Sportira.
Day 1 – Homelessness & Vulnerability Action Forum
Date: June 5, 2026
Arrival Time: 9:30 AM
Forum Start Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Université de Montréal – Campus MIL
Day 1 will bring together voices from across sectors for a meaningful forum focused on homelessness and vulnerability. Through conversations, lived experiences, and collaborative dialogue, the event aims to strengthen partnerships and create practical pathways forward for vulnerable communities across Canada.
Sponsored by RBC, the forum emphasizes action, inclusion, and long-term community impact.
Registration for the CSSA Homelessness & Vulnerability Action Forum is now open:
The forum is free and open to the public.
Day 2 – CSSA National Tournament Game Day
The focus shifts from dialogue to action on June 6 as the CSSA National Tournament takes place at Sportira Cage.
Players from across the country will compete in a high-energy environment celebrating resilience, teamwork, and the power of sport to build confidence and community.
The day will also feature a Guinness World Record attempt at 11:45 AM before games officially begin at 1:00 PM.
Date: June 6, 2026
Arrival Time: 11:30 AM
Guinness World Record Attempt: 11:45 AM
Games Kickoff: 1:00 PM
Location: Sportira Cage – Montreal, Quebec
The tournament is free and open to the public.
More Than a Tournament
The National Tournament & Forum is about far more than competition.
It is an opportunity for people from different walks of life to come together — not only to compete, but to support one another, build confidence, and experience a sense of belonging.
Across Canada, CSSA programs work to remove barriers to sport and create spaces where people feel welcome, valued, and included. For many participants, this event marks their first experience being part of a team and a supportive community.
As one player shared following last year’s event:
“It was the simplicity of being invited… and that is the transformative power of sport… being made to feel like you matter.”
A Pathway Forward
Throughout the weekend, players will also be considered for selection to represent Canada at the 2026 Homeless World Cup in Mexico.
Selection extends beyond athletic ability and focuses on leadership, teamwork, commitment, and personal growth both on and off the field.
A Story of Impact
Emma “Zero” Bellante’s story reflects the long-term impact of the program.
After representing Canada internationally, she returned home and remained deeply involved in the community, helping run programs in Brampton while supporting the growth of a women’s initiative in Mississauga.
This year, Emma returns to the National Tournament as coach of the Brampton team.
“After the World Cup, many new things seemed more attainable and doable for me.”
That spirit of possibility, belonging, and transformation is what the CSSA National Tournament & Forum is all about.
Looking Ahead
As Montreal prepares to host this year’s event, CSSA is excited to once again bring together a growing national community both on and off the field.
With the support of an incredible network of partners, volunteers, and organizations who believe in the power of sport to drive social change, the 2026 National Tournament & Forum promises to be a meaningful and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.