Toronto FC’s ownership group has launched a “Change the Game” campaign, aiming to raise and invest $30 million over four years to create more equitable opportunities for young athletes and help them reach their potential.
The “Change the Game” campaign is spearheaded by the MLSE Foundation and reflects the systemic barriers that often create an unequal playing field. The campaign is centered around sport’s ability to change lives and is part of MLSE’s commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
“This is bigger than sport. MLSE Foundation recognizes the importance of our voice in the community and our opportunity and responsibility to lead on the issue of equity, diversity and inclusion,” Tanya Mruck, executive director of MLSE Foundation, said in a release.
“With the support of the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, the Argonauts and the entire organization, MLSE Foundation has spent the last decade intentionally investing more than $45 million into kids and communities faced with barriers, however, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the urgency of the social justice movement, have shown that we must do more. ‘Change the Game’ will help level the playing field for thousands of youth in our city and province and give them a more equitable opportunity for success.”
The initiative will build upon the $45 million the MLSE Foundation has already raised and invested over the past 10 years. Over the next four years, this new $30 million endeavor will help to provide greater access to free sports programs, community building and leadership opportunities that are focused on equity, diversity and inclusion.
Part of the “Change the Game” campaign will fund community grants to support Ontario-based organizations that use sport and recreation to build healthy communities, focusing on Black and Indigenous youth. Further, it’ll help to refurbish athletic facilities and improve youth sports access, engagement and equity across Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Toronto FC are operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, who also have the NBA's Toronto Raptors and NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs under their portfolio.
