CSSA community programs are open and inclusive. Anyone is welcome to participate, especially those who may benefit from community support and engagement. This includes:

• People experiencing or at risk of homelessness,
• Individuals facing social exclusion or marginalization,
• Newcomers, refugees, and individuals with lived experience of poverty or addiction,
• Individuals seeking social connection, personal growth, or community support.

There are no requirement for housing status or legal documents to join local programs.

Our goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can participate in soccer regardless of their background.

While local programs are open to all, selection for tournaments — including representing CSSA in national or international events — follows specific eligibility criteria based on the Homeless World Cup (HWC) rules.

Here are the Homeless World Cup Criteria (participant must meet at least one of the following):

• Has been homeless at some point in the past year (as defined by your country).
• Earns their main income as a street paper vendor (e.g., similar to The Big Issue).
• Is a refugee or asylum seeker without a permanent residence.
• Has been previously institutionalized (e.g., in rehabilitation or prison) and is transitioning into community life.

Additional internal considerations for selection:

• Commitment to team practices and positive community behaviour
• Demonstrated growth or leadership through participation

All our community programs are free for participants.

So far, we have programs running in Ontario (Toronto and Brampton), Quebec (Montreal), Alberta (Calgary) and British Columbia (Port Hardy and Comox Valley). See programs for meetup times and contact information.

To begin the process, please contact us at info@canadianstreetsoccer.ca. Our team will guide you through the steps, including:

• Understanding our mission and core values
• Reviewing our chapter framework and support tools
• Outlining the basic requirements (e.g., local partnerships, safe playing spaces, volunteer support)
• Exploring how we can help you grow your program sustainably

We look forward to connecting and working together to build inclusive, community-driven soccer opportunities across Canada.

If you are a media professional with a question for CSSA, please contact us at info@canadianstreetsoccer.ca or submit your request using our form. All requests will be considered in the order in which they are received.