The links between school success and healthy participation in activities outside of school hours are clear.  Research has demonstrated that the more access a child or youth has to positive activities during these “critical hours” outside of school hours, the higher their chance of success in school and life.

The project “Coping mental health through Soccer” came as a result of the PhotoVoice project organized by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO). The PhotoVoice project made us realize that social-based programs are crucial in addressing mental health in immigrant and newcomer communities and also it is important to consider appropriate social activity based on a specific community. Soccer is a very prominent/common sport across many newcomer/immigrant communities. Incorporating mental health components will without doubt help address mental health crises in these communities. Almost all of us realized that mental health is not a common topic in our households/life (Particularly racialized immigrants/newcomer youth) . Through soccer, however, with the help of mental health advocates the project will provide a platform for informal discussion on mental health and other social issues affecting the participants.

The core purpose of the Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa (ANYO) is to provide a safe space where newcomer black and racialized youth will tackle mental health problems and foster mental wellness through sport and recreation.