BMO and NLSA Unite to Grow Girls’ Soccer Across Newfoundland and Labrador
‘BMO Girls Play NL’ program to provide free and fully accessible opportunities for girls in soccer
The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) is proud to announce the launch of a new multi-year agreement with BMO aimed at building a more inclusive environment, growing participation, and empowering girls and women in soccer across Newfoundland and Labrador. This program will focus on coaching development and accessible learning opportunities designed to foster lasting skills and create positive, inspiring soccer experiences.
Launching in 2026, the ‘BMO Girls Play NL’ program will open its doors to all self-identified girls and women across NLSA member clubs and communities throughout the province, providing a free and fully accessible opportunity to engage in the sport. The NLSA will work with members to activate BMO events during the summer soccer season.
This program features two components: a coaching stream, where girls, aged 15-17, develop foundational coaching skills, and a playing stream, where girls, aged 6-8, take part in fun, engaging summer soccer festivals while being mentored by the coaches. Together, these streams aim to create a safe and inclusive environment that encourages girls to stay active, build self-assurance, and remain involved in the sport.
NLSA Goals and Vision for the program:
Champion Inclusion & Belonging
Ensure Free & Accessible Participation
Keep Girls in the Game
“The NLSA is thrilled to partner with BMO to empower more girls and women to excel in soccer in all corners of the province,” said NLSA President Chris Bartlett. “A key benefit of this partnership is our ability to bring BMO Girls Play NL programming to both rural and urban parts of the province, and ensure that the knowledge and development opportunities percolate through the entire soccer ecosystem.”
“We know that participating in sport helps young people stay fit and develop attributes such as teamwork, discipline and leadership,” said NLSA Executive Director, Charlie Reid. “BMO Girls Play NL will provide new opportunities for girls to get involved in soccer by removing barriers to participation and providing mentorship and leadership pathways.”
“As the Bank of Soccer, BMO has long championed organizations and efforts that further sport equity, supporting women and grassroots levels,” said Dean Holloway, Regional Vice President, Newfoundland & Labrador, BMO. “Through our partnership with NLSA, BMO Girls Play NL will grow the game locally, creating lasting impact by inspiring and developing the next generation of youth soccer.”
BMO has proudly supported soccer for more than two decades, helping grow the game across North America through deep partnerships that span grassroots initiatives to professional leagues. This long-standing commitment has strengthened the connection between BMO and the sport, ensuring players of all ages and backgrounds have opportunities to participate and thrive.
Since 2005, BMO has contributed over C$25 million to engage, develop, and elevate youth soccer in Canada, supporting more than one million young athletes. Aligned with its Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO continues to champion programs that expand access, enhance education, and empower players, coaches, and volunteers. This dedication not only supports the next generation of athletes but also fuels the overall growth and sustainability of soccer in communities across the continent.
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BMO Gives. Good grows here.?
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to?Boldly Grow the Good?in business and life.
In 2024, we directed more than $108 million to drive progress for communities, which included $101 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.
Our colleagues spent over 54,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $39 million of donations through employee-driven giving in our annual campaigns.
For more information, please visit BMO.com.