93% of Canadians Demand Action to Protect Children from Preventable Brain Injuries in Sport – New Survey Finds

Toronto, ON – May 6, 2026 – Canadians are sending a clear message: when it comes to children's brain health: inaction is no longer acceptable.

A new national survey conducted using the Leger Opinion panel¹, commissioned by the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada (CLFC), finds that 93% of Canadians believe governments and sport organizations must act when there is evidence that an activity increases the risk of brain injury for children.

Beyond the numbers runs something deeper, as families across the country are questioning whether youth sport is doing enough to protect the brains of the children they love.

“Organizing activities that may damage our children's brains is neither smart nor ethical,” said Tim Fleiszer, Executive Director of CLFC. “This is not about disengaging from sport, it is about preventing harm. The public understands this. Now leaders need to act.”

Support Surges When Canadians Understand the Risks

While initial awareness of the risks associated with heading in soccer remains limited, support for change is already strong. This grows significantly when Canadians are informed.

• 65% support a ban on heading in youth soccer based on current awareness
• Support rises to 85% when the issue is framed around child safety and supported by evidence

This shift highlights a critical truth: when Canadians understand the risks to developing brains, they overwhelmingly choose protection.

A System Canadians Say Needs Fixing

Canadians are not just calling for isolated changes, they are demanding a safer, more accountable system for youth sport:

• 92% support stronger rules to prevent brain injuries
• 93% support national standards for prevention and management
• 92% support enforcement of existing safety protocols

Parents, coaches, and young athletes themselves are increasingly asking why protections differ across sports, provinces, and leagues. They are also asking why evidence-based measures are not applied consistently.

Canada Falling Behind While Other Countries Act

The survey also reveals growing concern that Canada is lagging behind global efforts.

• 75% of Canadians believe Canada is behind other countries in preventing brain injuries in youth sport
• 76% say more should be done

Countries like the United States, which implemented restrictions on heading in youth soccer more than a decade ago, and the United Kingdom have already taken steps to reduce cumulative brain trauma during critical stages of development.

Meanwhile, Canadians overwhelmingly reject the idea that tradition should outweigh safety: 93% say long-term brain health is more important than preserving elements like heading, checking, or tackling.

Low Awareness, High Concern, and a Mandate to Educate

Despite limited awareness (77%) of the risks tied to repetitive head impacts, concern is nearly universal:

• 89% of Canadians are worried about long-term effects
• 94% say sport organizations should be required to educate families and athletes

This gap underscores the urgency for both policy change and public education.

“Sport in childhood is incredibly important for teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. But none of those benefits should come at the expense of children's safety”, said Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, with the Canadian Concussion Centre, Krembil Brain Institute and Co-director of the Memory Clinic at University Health Network. “Repetitive head impacts during childhood and adolescence can have lasting effects on brain development, even in the absence of diagnosed concussions. Reducing exposure at a young age is one of the most effective ways we can protect long-term brain health.”

A Critical Window for Action

As Canada marks Youth Sport Safety Month and prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches, attention is turning to how the country protects its youngest athletes.

The evidence is clear, the support is there, and the expectation for action is only growing. With the world watching, Canada now faces a defining moment to strengthen protections for the next generation of athletes.

Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada is calling on governments, national sport organizations, and leagues to act now by:

• Implementing age-appropriate restrictions on repetitive head impacts, including heading in youth soccer
• Establishing mandatory national standards for brain injury prevention and management

“This is about protecting our kids, not just today, but for the rest of their lives,” added Fleiszer. “Every season we wait is another generation exposed to preventable risk. Canadians are ready for change. It is past time for sports' leadership to deliver.”

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About Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada

The Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada (CLFC) was founded in December of 2012 by Tim Fleiszer, and received its charitable status in 2014. CLFC is committed to advancing the study, treatment, and prevention of concussions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and other brain injuries. CLFC's mission is to create safer sports and protect athletes through cutting-edge research, education, and innovation. CLFC envisions a future without CTE, and concussion safety without compromise.

For more information or to schedule interviews with CLFC representatives, please contact:

Clarissa Schurter
Email: [email protected]

¹ This survey, was conducted using the Leger Opinion panel, ran from April 20th to 24th, 2026, with a nationally representative sample of 1,501 Canadian adults. The results have been weighted by age, gender, and region (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,500 has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.