"my club, our community"

According to the 2016 Census, Surrey is home to the second-largest immigrant population (220,155) in the Metro Vancouver region. In BC, between 2011 and 2016, 10% of newcomers came via refugee status, 38.2% arrived under family class sponsorship and 51.2% fell under the Economic class. Children in families that fall below the economic class are reported to be underrepresented in sports.

Our community in the North Surrey geographical region positively benefits through the various opportunities that arise through the North Surrey Mustangs Football Club. The cohesion and unity of coaches from a vast background has allowed us to ensure that all children and youth feel accepted, and welcome. Players from all cultures, genders, and beliefs are all represented by coaching staff/ volunteers.

We are particularly proud of indigenous representation at our club. In line with the 94 Calls to Action, Sports and Reconciliation; Call #89 “reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport”, North Surrey Mustangs has focused working with local indigenous groups to ensure support in reducing barriers in participating in soccer. We have thus far trained indigenous youths to be referees, volunteer coaches; and the club also works with an indigenous counsellor.

Research shows that children from indigenous communities, immigrant families, and low income families are under-represented in sports, but in adulthood they’re over represented in criminal justice systems. By reducing barriers in sports participation, we will be able to reduce the representation in the criminal justice system as sports help youth to channel energy towards positive outcomes, and they become full contributing members to the community.