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 Partner – Autism Ontario (Central West Region)
The Burlington Soccer Club and Embracing Ability is proud to partner with Autism Ontario, Central West Region. This partnership will allow our Embracing Ability program to benefit in a multitude of ways:
- foster a learning environment through knowledge share
- increase the reach of our program to continue to serve the community at large
- serve our mission of offering innovative and sustainable community based programs
For more information about Autism Ontario, please click here.
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 |
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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.
- 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)
Testimonial
“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
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: