Christine Sinclair and young athletes at the Sinclair Soccer Summit; Photo © @cave.productions
Christine Sinclair has always let her game speak for itself. With six FIFA Women’s World Cups, five Olympic Games, three NWSL championships, and more international goals than any player in history, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. For more than two decades, she has carried Canadian soccer to unprecedented heights, becoming a symbol of excellence and resilience on the world stage.
However, beyond the accolades, it was Sinclair’s quiet determination, grit, and humility that earned her the nickname ‘Sinc’ among teammates and fans. Now, with her professional playing days behind her, Sinclair is bringing this same fortitude to what comes next. Wanting her impact to transcend records and medals, she is dedicating this next chapter of her life to ensuring the next generation of girls in Canada can dream big and believe those goals are within reach.
“As I neared the end of my international career, I wanted to find a tangible way to keep making a difference in the game I love,” Sinclair shared. “Launching the Foundation allows me to use my platform and legacy to continue driving change and creating impact off the field for years to come.”
In December 2023, she turned that vision into reality with the launch of the Christine Sinclair Foundation—a charitable organization dedicated to “empowering girls with goals.”
Beyond the Pitch
Today, Sinclair’s influence on the game continues to grow as she fights to break down the barriers that keep so many girls from staying in sport. Research from Canadian Women & Sport shows that more than one in five girls leave sport by late adolescence, often due to low confidence, cost, or lack of accessible opportunities.
“Far too many girls drop out of sport in their teen years,” Sinclair explained. “My goal is to keep as many girls as possible focused on their ambitions, whatever they may be, and to provide the support they need along the way.”
Through the Christine Sinclair Foundation, she is working to create safe and welcoming spaces, affordable programming, and access to positive role models—all while advocating for gender equity in Canadian sport. “My hope is that the Foundation becomes a source of inspiration for young people on their journey, helping them see the potential of their dreams in this country and encouraging them to stay in sport—in whatever form that may take!”
The Sinclair Soccer Summit
The Foundation’s first major initiative, the Sinclair Soccer Summit, launched in Vancouver in December 2024. For 44 girls aged 11 to 14, it was more than just a day on the pitch, it was an experience that blended sport with empowerment.
“It was such a special day, on and off the pitch, shared with teammates and colleagues from the Canadian Women’s National Team, Vancouver Rise FC, and an incredible group of partners like Canadian Tire, CIBC, and Subway,” Sinclair recalled.
The girls trained with female coaches, participated in workshops on leadership and self-esteem, and even played alongside Sinclair herself. “I got to play on a team with every girl too, which was pretty memorable!” she added.
The goal was for each participant to leave not only with new skills, but with a stronger sense of belonging and self belief. “My hope is that they left feeling inspired, motivated, and confident that there’s a place for them in sport—whether as players, coaches, or leaders—and that they see the lasting opportunities available to them in this country. And of course, I hope they made new friends, learned something new, and had a whole lot of fun.”
Breaking Down Barriers
For Sinclair, breaking down barriers isn’t just about one event—it’s about building lasting pathways. She is working to expand the Sinclair Soccer Summit nationwide and using her voice to amplify conversations about equity and opportunity in sport.
She has also invested in the future of professional women’s soccer in Canada, joining the ownership group of Vancouver Rise FC, one of the founding clubs of the new Northern Super League, Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league. For young girls, seeing women leading at every level, from the pitch to the boardroom, is proof that their dreams have a place in this country.
Sinclair often points to the impact of representation in her own career. Growing up, she rarely saw women’s soccer on television or in the headlines. It wasn’t until she attended matches at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup that she realized a professional career was possible.
She wants Canadian girls today to have a different experience: one where role models are visible and pathways are clear. “The record shows what consistency, dedication and belief in yourself and your teammates can achieve,” she said of her historic scoring milestone.
I hope it stands as a legacy of possibility, showing girls that Canadian women athletes belong at the very top of world sport—and that they can get there too!
Advocacy Rooted in Family
Sinclair’s advocacy has always been personal. She has long been a spokesperson for the MS Society of Canada, inspired by her late mother Sandra, who lived with multiple sclerosis.
“My connection to MS through my late mother has shaped my voice as an advocate,” she shared. “I remember having the conversation with my mom and asking her permission to tell her story. That was a big moment for me—stepping out of my shyness and into advocacy to try to make the world a little bit better.”
That experience, she said, taught her the power of sharing personal stories. “It showed me the power of personal stories to raise awareness, inspire action, and create change—and it’s influenced how I approach all my advocacy work today.”
A Vision for the Future
The Christine Sinclair Foundation is only just beginning. This year will bring a second Soccer Summit, with plans to expand to Ontario in 2026, the same year Canada co-hosts the FIFA World Cup.
“Major events give us the spotlight to inspire and support even more young people, and to leave a lasting legacy in our country,” Sinclair explained. Her vision is for the Summit to become an annual event that travels across Canada, reaching diverse communities from coast to coast.
She’s also preparing to launch a scholarship programme to support girls pursuing high-performance athletics, providing the financial resources they need to pursue their dreams. “I know the impact scholarships can have—I wouldn’t have had my own university experience at the University of Portland without one!”
Looking ahead, Sinclair also plans to step outside her comfort zone more often, speaking at leadership and equity events nationwide to amplify conversations about opportunity.
More Than One Path
If there’s one message Sinclair wants girls to take from her Foundation, it’s that sport is for everyone, not just those aiming for the Olympics.
“My advice to girls is this: Your passion and love for sport is powerful. You don’t have to be on an elite pathway to make a meaningful difference through sport,” she said. “Whether you want to play, coach, referee, manage, or simply play for fun, there is a place for you—and your contribution matters. Keep believing in yourself and your unique path. The game is bigger than any one pathway—and so are you.”
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Athletes
Christine Sinclair’s name is etched into history for her records and her championships, but her greatest contribution may be the opportunities she’s creating for others.
“If my journey proves anything, it’s that big dreams are worth chasing, and that hard work and resilience can take you further than you ever imagined,” she reflected.
For Canadian girls lacing up their cleats today, those words and her actions are proof that the future of soccer in Canada is brighter than ever. Through her Foundation, her advocacy, and her belief in lifting young players, Sinclair is ensuring that her greatest victory is still to come: a level playing field where every girl can dream, play, and lead.
Learn more about the Christine Sinclair Foundation, upcoming events, and ways to support at girlswithgoals.ca
