Canada Soccer Announces Year 3 of AccelerateHER Program: Investing in Grassroots with Inaugural All-Women’s Children’s Diploma and C Diplomas

Building on the momentum of its first two years, Canada Soccer is proud to launch Year 3 of the AccelerateHER program. For the 2026/2027 cycle, the initiative will focus on the foundation of the Advanced Coach Education pathway, promoting gender equity in grassroots soccer through the inaugural delivery of a fully funded All-Women’s Children’s Diploma, alongside three All-Women C Diplomas.

AccelerateHER is a strategic Canada Soccer initiative designed to break down systemic and financial barriers, empowering women to enter and advance within the coaching landscape. In Year 3, the program will support 20 women coaches to complete the Children’s Diploma free of charge in a dedicated all-women learning environment, while also funding three All-Women C Diplomas, hosted and delivered by selected Provincial Member Associations.

Building on Success

Since its inception, AccelerateHER has transformed the landscape of advanced coaching in Canada, expanding opportunities for women at every level. In Year 1, the program supported 50 women across the A, B, Children’s, and Goalkeeper streams through individual grants, while funding five All-Women C Diploma workshops. Year 2 built on this progress by fully funding an All-Women CONCACAF B Diploma for 36 coaches, delivered entirely by women coach developers to create a robust mentorship and learning ecosystem. Year 3 now brings that same expertise, equity, and opportunity to the grassroots level, ensuring women leaders help shape the game from a player’s very first experience.

Elevating Grassroots Leadership

While previous years focused on the upper levels of the Advanced Coach Education pathway, Year 3 recognizes that the greatest impact on sustainable soccer development begins at the grassroots. Coaches working with players at the foundational level shape first experiences, influence retention, and set the standard for safe, inclusive environments.

“Investing in women coaches at the early stages of the advanced coach education pathway is critical. Coaches working with children and youth shape first experiences, influence retention, and set the standard for safe, inclusive environments,” said Sara McConaghy, Director, Community and Sport Inclusion at Canada Soccer.

AccelerateHER Children’s Diploma

The AccelerateHER Children’s Diploma will enable 20 women coaches to complete the program at no cost. Recognizing that cost and distance are significant barriers, each participant will also receive a $500 travel bursary to support equitable access to this advanced education opportunity. Applications for the AccelerateHER Children’s Diploma opened on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and close on May 1, 2026.

For complete program details, eligibility requirements, and to submit an application, please visit the AccelerateHER Webpage.

AccelerateHER C Diplomas

In addition to the AccelerateHER Children’s Diploma, Year 3 will fund three All-Women C Diplomas nationwide, further expanding the program’s reach across Provincial Member Associations. Host provinces and the application process for coaches in participating regions will be announced by April 30, 2026.

About AccelerateHER

AccelerateHER is Canada Soccer’s Women’s Advanced Coach Education Program. It provides financial support and dedicated pathways for women coaches, with each year taking a unique approach to address the evolving needs of women pursuing advanced coach education. For more information, [click here].