Big City Soccer Dreams

Discover Toronto's sporting history, multicultural soccer scene, and the power of the game in bringing together and excluding communities. As Toronto prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, discover how the global game took root in this city. From Indigenous sporting traditions and Canada’s first recorded soccer matches to the rise of Toronto FC and today’s multicultural soccer culture, this tour traces the stories that shaped sport in Toronto—on and off the field. Along the way, we’ll uncover the pioneers, communities, and overlooked athletes who challenged barriers around race, gender, and belonging, while asking who gets to play, who gets celebrated, and how those stories continue to evolve today. About the Tour Leader Mads Bayliss is a journalist and digital storyteller who aims to share histories that are often overlooked and misrepresented. With a passion for the power of heritage storytelling to unite communities, Mads enjoys teaching local history and always learning more in the process. Start Point: Fork York Visitor Centre (250 Fort York Blvd) Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location. End Point: Centennial Park (14 Saskatchewan Rd) Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 2 kilometres in distance and takes place predominantly on paved city sidewalks and streets, as well as some unpaved areas and parks. Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time. Cash cannot be accepted onsite. This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.