The program, Jumpstart into Coaching, launched last summer with funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and in partnership with the Coaches Association of Ontario
January 30, 2023
Vaughan, Ontario – Ontario Soccer is pleased to begin programming for Jumpstart into Coaching, a new community coaching program for youth (aged 16-25) who self-identify as belonging to an equity-seeking group. The program began this month with an introductory webinar and training sessions for 15 participants, who were accepted into the program following an extensive application process.
With funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Jumpstart into Coaching was created with the idea that every person should have an equitable opportunity and access to participate and develop their skills in sport. The program provides youth from underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC, LGBTQ2SIA+, women and girls, low-income individuals, newcomers, and persons with a disability, with essential skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, training to become a coach for their chosen sport.
“We’re thrilled to bring this program to aspiring soccer coaches in partnership with Ontario Soccer, as well as funding and support from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities,” says Coaches Association of Ontario’s (CAO) Executive Director, Jeremy Cross. “Consistent with Jumpstart’s mission, CAO is committed to providing sport opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of youth. We’re excited to recruit new community coaches and provide them with training and mentorship to facilitate safe, positive and engaging sport for all.”
Jumpstart into Coaching combines virtual and in-person training and offers targeted mentorship programming to help participating youth achieve a coaching certificate. Welcoming a new generation of coaches is an important investment in the future of soccer in Ontario and sport in Canada, as it will provide equity-deserving youth with the opportunity to grow as leaders within their community.
“Increasing opportunities for equity-seeking groups is a key priority for Ontario Soccer,” said Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer’s CEO. “As we move into the future, Ontario Soccer needs to be representative of the sport of soccer and the nation of Canada, as the world continues to come to grips with the realities of social equality in all aspects of life. Ontario Soccer intends to be a leader in this space and looks forward to creating more programming to achieve this goal.”
Ontario Soccer is committed to making opportunities available for equity-seeking groups and individuals through the game of soccer as is reflected in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion section within the Govern area of Ontario Soccer’s Strategic Plan (2022-2026).
About Ontario Soccer
Founded in 1901, Ontario Soccer is comprised of more than 550 Clubs servicing over 24,000 teams with 380,000 registered players, 70,000 coaches and managers, and 9,500 match officials, as well as countless volunteers, parents and supporters comprising a direct, multi-cultural community of over 1,000,000 Ontarians.
Ontario Soccer develops and delivers exceptional and sustainable programs and services throughout Ontario with the mission of providing leadership and support for the advancement of soccer in collaboration and cooperation with our membership, partners and other stakeholders. Ontario Soccer also operates the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) – the province’s premier standards based youth high performance development program and proudly supports Canada Soccer’s National Teams, the Canadian Premier League and Toronto FC.
An overall goal of Ontario Soccer is to assist with the equitable development of soccer as a healthy lifestyle choice, provide a talented pathway for players to excel and encourage inclusive community involvement at all levels.
An overall goal of Ontario Soccer is to assist with the equitable development of soccer as a healthy lifestyle choice, provide a talented pathway for players to excel and encourage inclusive community involvement at all levels.
About the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO)
The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit organization that supports coaches from community to high performance across all sports in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.coachesontario.ca, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
About the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity committed to ensuring kids in need have equal access to sport and recreation. With an extensive, national network of more than 1,000 grantees and 289 local chapters, Jumpstart helps eligible families cover the costs of registration, transportation, and equipment, and provides funding to selected organizations for recreational infrastructure and programming. Supported by Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart has provided more than 3 million opportunities for Canadian kids to get in the game since 2005. For more information, visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.
Follow Jumpstart on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to learn how they are making sport and play more inclusive for kids across Canada.
Media Contact
Ben Lungo | Manager, Digital Strategy and Communications
Ontario Soccer | blungo@ontariosoccer.net | 905-264-9390 x 255
Sarah Kelly | Community Programs & Partnerships Lead
Coaches Association of Ontario | sarah@coachesontario.ca | 416-426-7064