Canal FC, a program of the ACCESS U Foundation, with sponsorship from the City of San Rafael and Canal Alliance, was founded on the belief that active and regular participation in team sports, coaching, and mentoring has a profound and lasting impact on youth development, fostering self-esteem, resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
By removing barriers to participation and incorporating culturally and linguistically appropriate elements into the program design, Canal FC aims to create equitable access to sport and recreation for Canal youth, helping them develop the skills and qualities they need to succeed in school and life.
In 2024, thanks to a Marin Community Foundation grant, Canal FC and ACCESS U launched our youth soccer clinic program and successfully registered 70 participants and delivered approximately 42 hours of instruction. Additionally, ACCESS U provided the kids with a college tour of Dominican University, including a meet-and-greet with Dominican Men’s and Women’s soccer teams and a first-look campus tour. Together, ACCESS U and Canal FC seek to foster social connections, build life skills, and empower youth through soccer.