one by one® story: Burlington Soccer Club
Getting kids active is the goal of the Burlington Soccer Club. Children learn how to persevere, work hard and simultaneously be a team player and a leader. With innovative programs, the club uses soccer to lead and support players, coaches and match officials. Staff members have watched players grow from kids just kicking a ball around to young adults playing college soccer. Some kids even come back to volunteer for the Burlington Soccer Club. Pet giveaways—a surprising “sports” item—play a part.
Creating an active community 
The Burlington Soccer Club has served its community for 60 years with various soccer programs. Whether indoor, outdoor, competitive or development programs, there’s something for everyone. The programs range from 18-month-old toddlers learning the basics to college kids honing their already sharp skills. And it’s not just for kids—if an adult is interested in getting their kicks in, there’s an adult’s league. The Burlington Soccer Club also helps people with special needs embrace their abilities so they can reap all the wonderful benefits of playing soccer.
What’s more, there’s a semi-professional program called League 1, which is the highest level of soccer for players in Ontario. It combines playing for fun and playing professionally. For those looking to qualify for League 1, Burlington Soccer Club helps complete the pathway.
Sports, kids and…pet giveaways?
Every year, the Burlington Soccer Club chooses a key theme to focus on. This year, the theme is “Giving Back to the Community That Has Given Us So Much.”
With the hashtag #pupsatthepitch, the Burlington Soccer Club hosted a soccer fundraiser that donated all proceeds to a local animal rescue. Staff wanted to tie everything together with a pet-themed item. Thanks to a 4imprint one by one® grant, they were able to give dog bandanas to each canine that came to the game.
“The dog bandanas were very well received. Kids are coming back to sports in droves and we’re so happy to see it, so we wanted to give back to the community as well. Sports isn’t just a ball, a field and some cleats. It’s about everything from communication to teamwork to perseverance to leadership,” said Samantha Cawkell, director of marketing.
A note from Cheryl
It’s fantastic to see how the Burlington Soccer Club is helping kids and adults in the community stay active. 4imprint is thrilled to play a small part by providing pet giveaways as a unique fundraiser item. Find out more about a one by one® grant at onebyone.4imprint.ca.