More than 20 children meet each week at the John Braithwaite Gym in North Vancouver to participate in a soccer program operated by Charles MacGregor of North Vancouver Corps. He felt God’s leading to The Salvation Army while looking for a place to worship. Once there, Charles approached Major David Grice, Corps Officer, about beginning a sports outreach program for children in low-income families who did not have the opportunity to join other community sports programs.

From its beginning in a local gym with two boys, the program has grown and benefited from a city grant and the donation of the facility in which to operate. Organizers will begin a soccer academy this fall with a professional coach and will be able to make four scholarships available for young people who want to join a local league.

The soccer ministry provides an exciting opportunity for outreach into the surrounding community. Charles and Major Grice appreciate the chance it gives them to get into the community rather than trying to bring the community into the corps. Many in the diverse population would not feel comfortable coming into a church, but are happy to have a program that meets the needs of their children. Program organizers are pleased to make contact with members of the immigrant community and hope the sporting activities will build bridges to allow future ministry.