Embracing Ability

The Burlington Soccer Club is proud to offer the Embracing Ability program. This is an integrated program designed for anyone between the ages of 5 and 15 with and/or without developmental and/or physical disabilities who are interested in learning more about the FUNdamentals of soccer.

Certified coaches, along with devoted volunteers, work 1 on 1 with the athletes while implementing developmentally appropriate programming. This program allows participants the opportunity to enjoy and learn about soccer in a positive, accessible and inclusive environment, while learning and developing key social skills.

For inquiries, please contact Tammy Lyle-Gravlev, Embracing Abilities Program Lead, at tlyle-gravlev@burlingtonsoccer.com.

Program Sponsors

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

We are proud to be the recipient of a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity Grant for our Fall, 2024 season. This grant will allow us to truly enhance all aspects of our Embracing Ability program. From specialized equipment, to training for our staff and coaches, through the support of this grant we will be able to ensure our members have a memorable and engaging soccer experience. The mission of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity is “to enrich the lives of kids in need through sport and physical activity” and their invaluable support will allow us to continue to do that.

In Memory of H.J. Wicke (1937 – 2005)

Our Embracing Abilities Program has received a generous multi-year program sponsorship from the family of H.J. Wicke to continue to honour and commemorate him and his contributions to the community.

H.J. Wicke dedicated a lifetime of helping those that were faced wth additional challenges succeed. As a child growing up in war torn Germany, he faced early struggles. He embraced all opportunities available when he immigrated to Canada as a young teen. Graduating from the University of Toronto with a B.A.Sc. Civil Engineering, and an MBA from Laurentian University, he spent his early career with the United Nations Development Program working in underdeveloped countries. He later settled in Sudbury and was a professor with Cambrian College for 28 years.

He gave hours of extra time to ensure his students were successful. Outside of teaching, he volunteered with Swim Ontario, and dedicated countless hours to all swimmers, paying special attention to those that needed extra help. In addition, he was involved with numerous smaller programs that crossed his path, always for the betterment of children facing developmental and/or physical challenges. Today, his grand-daughter shares his passion for helping others who face challenges in life and dedicated her times to helping children with developmental and/or physical challenged overcome these obstacles and succeed.

Interested in sponsoring the Embracing Ability program?

Visit our Sponsors & Offers page for more information.

Our Coaches

All coaches are volunteers that have received training in leadership, problem solving, communication and behaviour management. Volunteers are experienced and knowledgeable in soccer and are also caring, creative, dedicated and enthusiastic individuals.

About Our Program Lead – Tammy Lyle-Gravlev

Tammy has over 25 years of experience in sports administration, therapeutic recreation, and special events coordination. Her deep passion for sports fuels her advocacy for physical activity and wellness, enabling her to effectively collaborate effectively with community leaders and educational institutions to create inclusive opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Outside of her role at BSC, Tammy works full-time at ONPARA. When she is not working in the beautiful game or adaptive sport, you can find her exploring the great outdoors with her dog, Bodhi.

Head Coach – Kylie

Kylie is an educational assistant in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and has 2 years of coaching experience with BSC. Kylie has a love for the beautiful game coupled with a love for helping kids grow their confidence in their own unique ways. These attributes, along with her day-to-day, give Kylie a set of skills that she looks forward to sharing with the athletes as she works alongside them.

Assistant Coach – Karma

Karma is an assistant coach and volunteer with the program, where she supports children with/without developmental and/or physical disabilities in their development through soccer. She is in her eleventh year of high school and has experience coaching children, as she has previously volunteered in other capacities at the BSC. Karma brings valuable experience and enthusiasm to her role in the program. She is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where teamwork and inclusion are emphasized both on and off the pitch. When she is not busy as a high-school student or volunteer coach, you can find Karma on the pitch representing the Bayhawks as a member of our U17 Competitive team.

Assistant Coach – Lauren

Lauren is an assistant coach with the program. Lauren previously volunteered for the program in the Summer of 2024 and thoroughly enjoyed her experience. Lauren has a strong interest in the beautiful game and was once a BSC Bayhawk from 2019 – 2024. She is currently a high-school student in Burlington. She enjoys working with the kids in the program and looks forward to each day with them.

Program Information

For ages 5 to 15 years old, participants are separated into smaller groups based on ages/abilities.
Participants are provided with a medal at the end of the session.
All participants will receive an Adidas Jersey.
Participants must wear appropriate footwear (running shoes or soccer cleats) and are encouraged to wear shin pads to every session.
We ask that all participants complete the Embracing Ability Participant Information Form, found here.

*Should your child be outside of the age range listed, please contact Tammy Lyle-Gravlev at tlyle-gravlev@burlingtonsoccer.com to register.

Indoor Sessions

Age Group(s)	Gender	Day of the Week	Start Time	Cost ($)
Fall: October 19 – December 21, 2024
U5 – U9 (2020 – 2016)	COED	Saturday	9 – 9:50am	$75
U10 – U15 (2015 – 2010)	COED	Saturday	10 – 10:50am	$75
Winter : January 25 – April 12, 2025
U5 – U9 (2020 – 2016)	COED	Saturday	9 – 9:50am	$75
U10 – U15 (2015 – 2010)	COED	Saturday	10 – 10:50am	$75

_{**Winter Session Date Exclusions: Family Day (February 15) and March Break (March 8)}

Outdoor Sessions – Summer, 2025

Age Group(s)	Gender	Dates	Time	Cost
U5 – U9 (2020 – 2016)	COED	Thursdays (May 22 – July 24)	6 – 7pm	$75
U10 – U15 (2015 – 2010)	COED	Thursdays (May 22 – July 24)	7 – 8pm	$75

All Outdoor Sessions take place at Sherwood Forest Park, the Pitch (5270 Fairview Street)

REGISTER TODAY

Testimonial

“Every child is truly embraced by participating in this program. The current staff of the program is the best staff we have had in the 5-years we have been involved in the program as all have infectious enthusiasm for the kids that never wavers.”

-Mark (2025)

“As a special needs parent, I’ve experienced how tough it is to find programs that are accepting of my child and his special needs friends, beyond the regular therapies that become the norm in their lives…the coaches/volunteers provided a fun and welcoming environment for our kids.”

-Anonymous

“Every week, I witnessed a group of coaches who were all very accepting of our kids varying abilities, who were never phased by the meltdowns or the arm flapping or the quirks that the kids came with. You accepted all of the kids as “normal” children and allowed them to enjoy the fun of soccer!”

-Anonymous

“I have a child with autism who never really wants to be social, who would rather stay at home than experience the uncertainties of the outside world. It’s always been a struggle to convince him to try new things, yet I haven’t had that issue with Embracing Abilities.”

-Alison (2016)

Click Here to watch a video testimonial from one of our parents who has two children in our program

H.J Wicke Volunteer Award

Each season, one volunteer within our Embracing Ability program will be chosen to receive the H.J. Wicke Award. To find out more about this award and criteria, click here.