Nepean Hotspurs All Abilities Program
The Nepean Hotspurs All Abilities Program is an inclusive, community-driven initiative that provides children and youth with intellectual, communication, or developmental and/or physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer in a fun, structured, and supportive environment. Our program is built on the core principles of inclusion, accessibility, physical literacy, and social connection.
Whether a child uses a wheelchair, a walker, orthotics, or lives with an intellectual, communication (ASD), or developmental disability, we’re here to provide the support they need—including 1:1 assistance—and to make sure every child feels welcome, included, and celebrated on the field.
Summer 2026
Program Start Date: May 30
Program End Date: August 15
Choose from once-a-week or twice-a-week program options.
All participants receive a uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks) and a soccer ball!
You won't want to miss our end-of-season festival on August 15th, where all your hard work will be celebrated in style.
Parents/Guardians are asked to complete a Participant Support Needs Form and send to atottenham@nepeanhotspurs.ca at the time of registration. (You'll receive a reminder to do so in your registration receipt/confirmation email as well)
Program Options
Program | Birth Year | Program Days and Times | Registration Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
U6 - U16 Twice/Week | 2010 - 2020 | Wednesdays/ 6 - 6:55 PM AND Saturdays/ 9 - 9:55 AM | $310.00 |
U6 - U16 Once/Week | 2010 - 2020 | Wednesdays/ 6 - 6:55 PM OR Saturdays/ 9 - 9:55 AM | $235.00 |
Location
All sessions are held at the Charmaine Hooper Soccer Fields (field layout MAP).
*If an alternate location is required to accommodate all of our groups we will utilize the Colonnade Mini Fields.
What You Need
Your child will be provided with a jersey, shorts, socks, and a ball as part of this program. Players are encouraged to bring their ball with them to each session.
If you child can, and is comfortable wearing shin pads we encourage them to - sneakers or cleats are OK for participation on our grass fields.
Please also ensure that your child has plenty of water or hydrating fluids at each and every session.
Picture Days
Pictures will be take by Ottawa Sports Photography early in the season, at the field on the night that your child plays. This includes Team and Individual photos (if you choose). Details on how to order and purchase photos, as well as the individual team photo schedules will be shared closer to the start of the season!
Weather Policies
All sessions will proceed, rain or shine; however, if the weather is unsafe (such as thunderstorms) the LKP program coordinator will make the decision at the field whether to cancel the session. Sessions are not cancelled in advance when there are forecasts for thunderstorms as storms can move quickly and/or miss our area of operation entirely. Safety is our priority but we also want to ensure we are not cancelling sessions unnecessarily!
We follow the Soccer Canada Lightning Safety/ Severe Weather Policy.
Sessions will only be canceled for heat/humidex if the forecasted temperature (from Environment Canada) for your scheduled session time start is predicted to be in excess of 37 degrees Celsius or humidex of 39 degrees Celsius. Decisions related to heat cancellations will be made shortly after noon on weekdays and by 8:00am on Saturdays. Decisions to cancel sessions will be communicated with coaches and all participants. On hot days, where sessions are not canceled, coaches will provide additional water breaks during your sessions.
If the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is projected to be 8 or higher at session time, then sessions will be cancelled. Decisions on AQHI cancellations will be made after noon on weekdays, and by 8:00am on Saturdays. Decisions to cancel sessions will be communicated with coaches and all participants.
Sessions that are canceled for events outside of our control including field closures, inclement weather or extreme heat will not be rescheduled and no refunds will be offered.
Holidays
- Soccer will be held as usual on Saturdays and Mondays of long weekends
- There is no soccer on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st
End of-Season Festival
The end-of-season festival will be held on Saturday, August 15. The Festival is a day of celebration for all program participants. Including a number of fun activities and games!
Each player will receive a medal as a token of recognition for their successful season of development in the Let the Kids Play Program. Our Festival is always an unforgettable day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and soccer spirit!
All Abilities: Core Program
First Involvement – Athlete Introduction & Assessment (week 1)
- An initial session designed to introduce new participants and their families to the program.
- Children meet coaches and volunteers in a welcoming, non-competitive environment.
- Includes a brief assessment to ensure the program meets each child’s needs and interests.
All Abilities Soccer Program (weeks 2 & on)
- Weekly sessions designed for children and youth with varying physical and developmental needs.
- Adaptations made for participants using wheelchairs, walkers, or orthotics.
- Personalized support available, including 1:1 volunteers where needed.
- Emphasis on skill development, fitness, fun, teamwork, and building friendships.
Program Goals:
- Foster inclusive soccer opportunities for all children.
- Promote physical literacy and a love of sport.
- Build confidence and connection in a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Support families by offering quality recreation tailored to their children’s needs.
Our All Abilities Coaching Team
Program Lead: Ashley Tottenham
Ashley has been a Nepean Hotspurs Coach in our recreational and competitive programs as well as our camps, over the last 5 years. She brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and coach to the Club. A passionate athlete since the age of 8, Ashley discovered her love for coaching in high school. She went on to earn a Psychology degree from Carleton University, where her interest in supporting others grew.
After graduation, Ashley worked in Autism Behavioural Analysis centres and ran a small classroom to help children prepare for mainstream education. Inspired by the success of Pickering FC’s All Abilities Program, she has spearheaded the launch of the Nepean Hotspurs’ own inclusive soccer program, providing children of all abilities the opportunity to play and grow both on and off the field.
Program Coaches
Our program coaches have the following certification requirements:
- Coaching Soccer in Canada course
- Coaching Athletes with a Disability course
- Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
- Making Headway
- Understanding the Rule of Two
- Emergency Action Plan
Our coaching team is supported by dedicated volunteers who complete our internal coach and volunteer training. All coaches and volunteers are required to complete a Level 3: Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.
Interested in joining our All Abilities program as Coach or volunteer?
Please contact atottenham@nepeanhotspurs.ca. We will provide the required training and support to complete the Club’s volunteer screening process, police records check, and minimum required coaching certifications as outlined by Ontario Soccer, and Canada Soccer.
Key Program Resources:
EVERYONE PLAYS - A Guide to First Involvement & Quality Participation
