Why Can’t They Play? A Graphic Novel Reimagining Tryouts So All Kids Have the Chance to Play

From the RE.sport Team, illustrated by Crystal Yang

Shipping will begin July 2026, sign up below to be notified when preorder is live. 

You walk past the tryout poster in the hallway.
Some kids can’t wait.
Some feel nervous.
Some don’t even stop to look.

What is stopping some kids from trying out for the team while others don’t think twice? What makes some kids excited, while other kids don’t even consider signing up?

Asking “Why Can’t They Play?” seems like  a simple question, but it has an incredibly complex answer. All kids should be able to play, but for some, a tryout poster hanging in the hall is just another reminder of why they can’t play.

In this graphic novel, a team of researchers breaks down some of the main ways that a soccer tryout can exclude many kids—and why that’s wrong, and what kids, coaches and educators can do about it. 

When we work together, we can find a way that we can all play.

Pricing: $24.99 CAD (not including HST where applicable or shipping)

If your organization is on a tight budget, please indicate that in the form below—we want to  reach as many kids as possible and can create special bundles. 

ABOUT RE.sport: RE.sport, a research-driven initiative housed in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, is reimagining and rebuilding sport through research. Led by Dr. Catherine Sabiston, this groundbreaking project unites youth voices, community sport leaders, and academic experts to reshape Canada’s sport and physical activity system — making it more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all young people, especially girls and those facing systemic barriers.