New free tennis and soccer programs give girls a goal beyond the game in Clarington

The Municipality of Clarington is proud to launch Her Game, Our Goal, a new program designed to inspire, empower and support children and youth through sport. Grounded in the belief that girls in sports become leaders in life, the program creates safe, inclusive and welcoming opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop leadership and life skills, form meaningful friendships, and discover what they're capable of through sport. Program preview information is now available, with resident registration opening September 2, 2026, at 7 a.m.  

“Somewhere in our town, there’s a youngster who is about to fall in love with the game and never look back. It starts with learning, making friends, and discovering the joy of being active. Whether they become the next Serena Williams or follow in the footsteps of Courtice’s Allysha Chapman isn’t the point. The impact goes far beyond the field or court. These programs help girls and young women build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and life skills that they can carry into school, their careers, and their communities,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “By creating these opportunities, we’re helping shape Clarington’s future leaders and supporting the next captains of our community. We’re grateful for the funding opportunities and community partners who help make this all possible.”

Starting this September, self-identified girls ages seven to 13 will have an opportunity to step onto the court through a free two-week tennis experience supported by the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant from Tennis Canada and National Bank and delivered in partnership with the Bowmanville Tennis Club. Participants will learn the fundamentals of tennis using age-appropriate equipment, lower nets and softer balls while developing physical literacy, building confidence and discovering what they're capable of on and off the court.

“We are thrilled to see the inception of the Her Game, Our Goal program through The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington,” said Terri Temelini, Director of Women and Girls’ Advancement at Tennis Canada. “We are so proud of the work inspired by the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants presented by National Bank. The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington is one of the 32 organizations that were awarded funding via the 2026 Community Tennis Grants program. It is incredibly rewarding to see how the Community Tennis Grants are utilized, both on and off the court, as we work towards equity and inclusion for women and girls in the sport.”

This October, a new year-long free soccer program will launch through a $50,000 MLSE Foundation Community Action Grant and in partnership with Darlington Soccer Club. Built around player, volunteer and coach pathways, the program creates opportunities for girls and women to build confidence, leadership and life skills through soccer. Players will develop soccer skills through weekly training sessions, team-building activities and small-sided games, while volunteer and coaching pathways provide mentorship, training and hands-on experience helping grow the next generation of female athletes and leaders. Paid coaching positions will also help create pathways into sport leadership and employment. Community “try-it” soccer festivals are planned to introduce more girls to the game, with festival details to be announced at a later date.

“MLSE Foundation believes that sport has the power to create meaningful change for young people, when it is intentional, accessible, and safe,” said Curtis Lue, Manager of Community Development at MLSE Foundation. “Through our Community Action Grant stream, we’re excited to support the Her Game, Our Goal program, empowering girls & young women through soccer. We recognize the impact of the mentorship, leadership, and employment pathways that this program will create, and are proud to work together to enhance opportunities for girls in sport.” 

Mayor, Council and staff are joined by funding and community partners to celebrate the launch of Her Game, Our Goal, a new program creating free opportunities for girls to play, lead and grow through sport.

Her Game, Our Goal supports Recommendation #87 of Clarington's Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, which focuses on increasing participation in recreation and sport among females and those who identify as female. The program reflects Clarington's commitment to creating more opportunities for girls to participate, lead and grow through sport while building a stronger, more connected community. 

The Municipality of Clarington is actively pursuing valuable external funding opportunities, reducing dependency on the property tax base while supporting the delivery of meaningful municipal services. Clarington thanks the MLSE Foundation and Tennis Canada for helping create more opportunities for girls to play, lead and grow through sport. 

Her Game, Our Goal is all about helping more girls get in the game and see where sport can take them. Residents can learn more about the program at www.clarington.net/HerGameOurGoal and register starting September 2, 2026, at 7 a.m. Coaching applications close August 21, 2026, and volunteer applications close August 26, 2026. Apply at  www.clarington.net/Careers.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net