The Burlington Soccer Club is proud to offer the Embracing Ability program – a fully integrated soccer experience designed for children and youth ages 5 to 15 with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Whether participants are brand new to the game or looking to build on existing skills, this program provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Led by certified coaches and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, the program offers personalized, one-on-one attention tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. Using developmentally appropriate activities and FUNdamental soccer skills, our approach ensures that every participant can enjoy the game at their own pace while gaining confidence and a sense of belonging.
In addition to building soccer skills, the Embracing Ability program emphasizes the development of important social skills, encouraging teamwork, communication, and friendship in a welcoming, accessible setting.
Join us as we celebrate ability, inclusion, and the joy of sport.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Tammy Lyle-Gravlev
Embracing Ability Program Lead
📧 tlyle-gravlev@burlingtonsoccer.com
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 – Christian
Christian is an avid soccer enthusiast and do not hold it against him he is a Tottenham fan. He loves watching the beautiful game and working with others on helping them develop their game. With more than 6 years of coaching and volunteer work he always ensures that every player has the opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy the game. Currently in grade 12, Chrisitan is extremely excited to help others and share his passion for soccer.
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 – Madeleine
Madeleine has been passionate about soccer since the age of 4 and is thrilled to continue her volunteer work as a coach! With over five years of experience working with kids in various roles, she brings both energy and empathy to the field. Madeleine is currently a Grade 12 student and a dedicated player on Burlington’s U18 Competitive team. She’s excited to be starting her coaching journey and can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces — and meet many new ones — through the program!
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 –
Fall, 2025
| Age Group(s) | Gender | Dates | Time | Cost |
| U5 – U9 (2021 – 2017) | COED | Saturday (October 18 – December 20) | 9 – 9:50am | $80 |
| U10 – U15 (2016 – 2011) | COED | Saturday (October 18 – December 20) | 10 – 10:50am | $80 |
Winter, 2026
| Program | Age Group(s) | Gender | Dates | Time | Cost |
| Fundamentals Jr. | U5 – U12 (2021 – 2014) | COED | Saturday (January 17 – April 11) | 9 – 9:50am | $80 |
| Fundamentals Sr. | U13 – U18 (2013 – 2008) | COED | Saturday (January 17 – April 11) | 10 – 10:50am | $80 |
| Fundamentals Adult | U19+ (2007+) | COED | Saturday (January 17 – April 11) | 10 – 10:50am | $80 |
| Learn to Train | U13+ (2013+) | COED | Saturday (January 17 – April 11) | 10 – 10:50am | $115 |
All Indoor Sessions take place at Sherwood Forest Park, Dome 1 (5270 Fairview Street)
Winter Programs
Fundamentals Jr. (Ages 5 – 9) & Sr. (Ages 10 – 15) – Our BSC Fundamentals Soccer program focuses on developing physical literacy and soccer skills in an environment built around fun, friendship, and fitness. Led by experienced coaches and volunteers, activities are adapted to support athletes of all abilities and skill levels.
*Opportunities for 18+ Coming soon!
Learn to Train – Launching this winter, we are excited to polit the BSC Embracing Ability Learn to Train program – the next step for advanced Embracing Ability soccer players. This program emphasizes teamwork, fundamental movement, and sport skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and speed. It’s designed to both develop new abilities and strengthen existing ones helping athletes build confidence as they progress along the Long-Term Athlete Development Pathway and continue to enjoy being Active for Life.
This program will be led by two dedicated coaches and capped at 14 participants, maintaining a 7:1 athlete-to-coach ratio for personalized support. To participate, athletes must be independent, able to follow three-step instructions, and complete an approval process prior to joining.
*future pathways may include: Amateur Soccer (Canadian National Para Soccer team); Recreational Soccer; Volunteering; Coaching
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.
Want to Volunteer?
- Must be 13 years of age or older
- Must be responsible, energetic, positive, patient, and ensure participants are having fun and being safe
Program Sponsors
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
We are proud to be the recipient of a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity Grant for our Fall, 2025 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 with 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.
Monarch House
Burlington Soccer Club is proud to partner with Monarch House for our upcoming Halloween Dance! This exciting partnership will elevate our Halloween celebration, creating a more inclusive and memorable experience for all our members.
Monarch House is dedicated to celebrating the power of being different. Through their work with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with other developmental disorders, Monarch House uses a collaborative and compassionate approach to empower individuals to adapt, thrive, and truly belong in their communities.
We’re thrilled to join forces with an organization that shares our values of inclusion, support, and community spirit. Get ready for a Halloween Dance full of fun, connection, and celebration of individuality!
Soccer World
The Embracing Ability program is proud to partner with Soccer World as our official uniform and ball supplier! Soccer World is the premier destination for everything fútbol. With over 30,000 items in stock, there’s truly something for every player and fan. Whether you’re just starting out or have a lifelong love for the game, Soccer World has you covered.
More than just a retailer, Soccer World is a true community champion. Their long-standing commitment to supporting local programs reflects a holistic approach to the sport – one that values inclusion, development, and passion for the game at every level. We’re thrilled to team up with an organization that not only equips our athletes but also shares our values of accessibility and community support.
Interested in sponsoring the Embracing Ability program?
Visit our Sponsors & Offers page for more information.
Stay in Touch
If you or someone you know has been or is a present part of this program, make sure to stay in touch and follow us on the following platforms: