Scoring confidence with every kick: The NDG Lions

If you passed by behind the Mackay Centre School last summer, you might have chanced upon the NDG Lions adapted soccer team at practice. More than just an opportunity to run around, “We do real soccer,” said board member Nancy Ho.

The Lions recreational Adaptive Soccer Program is designed for kids between the ages of 8 to 18 with a variety of intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum. Launched in June 2025, it started with a loyal core of participating families and now has a waitlist. This summer, the program will run out of a field in Côte-des-Neiges 

As “one of the driving forces behind inclusion at NDG-CDN Soccer,” as noted on the NDG Soccer Association Facebook page, Ho’s mantra “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t” has helped make the NDG Lions a reality.

It has also been made possible due to former professional soccer player and head coach Michel Mazloum, who has a background in both physical education and special needs. “He always finds a way to make things work,” shared one mom, whose autistic son Jonah has been a part of the NDG Lions since the beginning.

According to Coach Michel, “To me, there is nothing that can limit you in sports  sometimes you need to adapt the equipment, but it’s all possible.” Aside from additional time for drills and illustrative pictograms, he said little is different from a mainstream recreational team. He added, “I want every kid to feel they can be athletes versus just doing sports for fun.”

Beyond technical skills such as passing and dribbling, there are numerous intangible benefits. These include emotional regulation, learning adaptability and spontaneity,  as well as teamwork and losing graciously. Thanks to the soccer practices, Jonah “gets ‘stuck’ less now,” said his mom, and he recently had his first ever playdate. She added that while he also does a swimming program and adapted hockey, he has gained the most from the NDG Lions due to the quality of sports instruction.

Ho observed that beyond improving on technique and self-confidence, the team is also challenging assumptions about ability. When watching a game, she recalled thinking, “My gosh, they have gotten good!” Some of the more advanced players have even been recommended to Special Olympics Quebec.

She encourages other centres to consider creating similar types of programs. “We are proof that it is possible – and that it works.” 

Info: ndgsa.ca/pages/ndg-lions