AFRICAN CANADIAN YOUTH SPORTS NETWORK

The African Canadian Youth Sports Network (ACYSN) is a non-profit organization incorporated on February 5, 2021, with roots dating back to 2016. ACYSN is dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, social inclusion, and community engagement through sport. The organization traces its origins to the inaugural Hamilton Africa Cup of Nations, launched in 2016 by the Ghana Association of Hamilton in collaboration with Empowerment Squared. What began as a two-day soccer tournament featuring four African nations at Tim Hortons Field has grown into one of Hamilton's premier multicultural sporting events, celebrating its 10th edition in 2026. The tournament brings together African communities and residents from diverse backgrounds to celebrate culture, unity, and sportsmanship through soccer.

Beyond the annual tournament, ACYSN operates an affordable, accessible, and inclusive year-round soccer development program for children ages U6 to U12 in Hamilton. The program provides young players from all backgrounds with opportunities to develop their soccer skills, build confidence, stay active, and form lasting friendships in a safe and welcoming environment. By removing barriers to participation and fostering a sense of belonging, ACYSN is helping to develop the next generation of athletes and community leaders.

Through its programs and partnerships, ACYSN continues to use sport as a powerful tool to unite
communities, promote diversity and inclusion, and create opportunities for youth and families
across Hamilton. Learn more: www.acysn.com
The Founding Directors are Collins Kyere, Donald Ngalla, Dr. Yussif Yakubu and Henry Onwuka

Organization mandate or mission statement or artistic statement

To foster, develop and promote the game of soccer and other sporting activities in Hamilton and surrounding areas
To assist in development of and encourage sportsmanship and community spirit among participating members.
To enhance the physical, Mental and social well-being of youth in the community

To Promote Fraternity among diverse communities in Hamilton and beyond
The African Canadian Youth Sports Network has recently adopted a new management style that facilitates the measurement of outcomes and the extent to which a project’s goals and objectives are met. With the management by project, the tools are very efficient for seeing the progression of the participants (skills, workshop, etc.)
The ACYSN will collect information and feedback from participating individuals and employers in order to assess the effectiveness of our programs, at the beginning and in the end of the program. The information collected will include suggested methods for improving our programs.