Building Belonging Through Soccer: A Conversation with Danielle Byers of the Kitchener Soccer Club

On this episode of From the Park Bench, we sat down with Danielle Byers, Engagement Manager for the Kitchener Soccer Club, to talk about community, inclusivity, and the power of sport to shape confidence and connection, especially for young girls in soccer.

Creating a Club Where Everyone Belongs

As one of the largest soccer clubs in Waterloo Region, the Kitchener Soccer Club has a simple but powerful mission: to create opportunities for kids and families to play, connect, and belong. The club offers everything from grassroots recreational leagues to competitive play and all-ability programs—ensuring there’s truly a place for everyone.

“We really put a big emphasis on belonging and inclusivity,” Danielle explained. “It would break your heart to see a seven-year-old looking across the field, wondering why they didn’t get the same treat as the other team. That’s why, even when sponsors get involved, we make sure everything we do includes every child.”

That spirit of fairness and empathy shines through every story Danielle tells. It’s not about rules—it’s about values. Inclusivity at Kitchener Soccer Club isn’t a buzzword; it’s a way of doing things.

Empowering Girls Through Sport

The conversation turned to an issue close to Danielle’s heart: keeping girls in the game. Studies show that one in three girls drops out of sports in adolescence, compared to one in ten boys, often due to confidence issues, body image concerns, or not feeling like they belong. That gap inspired Danielle and her team to launch a new initiative: the Game Changers program.

“It’s an eight-week soccer and confidence program designed specifically for girls,” Danielle shared. “We combine soccer training with workshops that focus on confidence, connections, and life skills. What’s been amazing to see is how the older girls naturally take the younger ones under their wings—it’s exactly the kind of mentorship we hoped to create.”

One powerful moment came when a young club player, Abby, was featured in Visa’s national campaign on female empowerment in sport. Seeing an AI-generated image of herself as a future Team Canada captain made her realize that it could really be me. For Danielle, that’s what it’s all about: creating moments that build belief.

Raising the Visibility of Women Coaches

In addition to supporting players, the club is also focused on empowering women in coaching. Through Canada Soccer’s She Can Coach program, supported by TELUS, Kitchener SC recruited and mentored a diverse group of women, from moms to college students, providing training, certifications, and a strong support network.

“Out of our first cohort, we now have women coaching in every stream of the club,” Danielle said proudly. “They’re thriving, and it’s proof that when you support people properly, confidence grows.”

A Lifetime of Sport—and What It Teaches

Danielle’s passion for sport runs deep. From softball at six years old to basketball, rugby, and hockey, she’s experienced firsthand how athletics can shape character. “Sports gave me quiet confidence,” she reflected. “It taught me resilience, teamwork, and leadership—skills I still use every day.”

That perspective now drives how she leads at the club: through example, empathy, and authenticity. Whether it’s coaching kids or guiding a team of volunteers, Danielle believes leadership and parenting share the same truth—“Be true to yourself, and others will follow your lead.”

Looking Ahead: Growth, Inclusion, and the Future

The future is bright for Kitchener Soccer Club. The organization is set to open a new FIFA-sized indoor field in 2026, just in time for the World Cup. The expansion will allow the club to include hundreds more kids—many currently waitlisted—and bring their all-abilities program indoors for the first time.

“2026 will be huge for us,” Danielle said. “A new building, more programs, and a bigger opportunity to grow the game and invite everyone in.”

Social Media and the Power of Visibility

The episode wrapped with a reflection on how visibility—whether through social media or community programs—has changed the landscape of sport for women and girls. Today, platforms are helping more female athletes share their stories, inspire others, and build confidence.

As Danielle noted, “Social media can have its downfalls, but it’s also a powerful tool for change. When athletes use it authentically, it helps others see what’s possible.”

Tune into From the Park Bench to listen to Danielle Byers chat with Ted and Camilla about how the Kitchener Soccer Club can remind us of something far greater than being measured by scores and trophies: the power of belonging, mentorship, and believing in yourself, and how one community can change the game, one player at a time.