There's been an outpouring of generosity and goodwill for an 11-year old Vancouver girl who has a passion for soccer but was told she could not take part in games because she has Down syndrome.

Sadie Gates said she loves soccer and is excited about having the chance to put on a uniform.
(CBC)

Abbe Gates said her daughter, Sadie, is able and can keep up with other children during games.

"I love soccer because it's fun … [I] like to kick the ball and run," Sadie said.

Sadie's first practice was not a good experience for her mother, because the coach told her Sadie could practise but not play on game days because she would be a liability to the team.

"It crushed me. It really hurt," Abbe Gates told CBC News Monday.

"I lost it in tears because I thought, 'How am I going to explain to her? How am I going to tell Sadie that she cannot play because she has Down syndrome?"

Abbe Gates said she's trying to form a soccer league so that her daughter and other children with a variety of skill levels can play.
(CBC)

Sadie's mother set out to form her own team — one that welcomes children with all kinds of skills.

Gates wrote a letter to a local newspaper, which led to an explosion of support for Sadie and her family from parents, coaches and perfect strangers.

Maleena Pardham, owner of a sports store, said she was horrified to hear a child's first experience could be so bad.

"I think it would be a great experience for the children on the team because they could see that there are no limits in life," said Pardham, who has played soccer for 22 years.

"I think he should have turned around and made it a positive instead of a negative for her," Pardham said.

If and when Sadie's team gets up and running, Pardham said she's going to offer to donate all the uniforms.