Canada Soccer, in partnership with Alberta Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia, is pleased to unveiled today list of clubs selected to participate in the initial phase of the TELUS She CAN Coach Program.
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\u200bThe TELUS She CAN Coach program is a national coach recruitment, development, and training initiative designed specifically for women, to address the challenges they face regarding soccer participation in Canada. The program aims to support new and entry-level women coaches, with the desired outcome of increasing the registration of women and girls in soccer while balancing the gender gap in participation nationwide.
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\u200b“We’re excited to have received a diverse range of applications from clubs looking to create intentional programming aimed at increasing the number of women and girls in sport,” said Sara McConaghy, Manager, Development Programming. “It’s clear that there is a significant interest in prioritizing growth in this space, regardless of an organization’s geography or size.”
Canada Soccer is partnering with Alberta Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia for the initial phase of the TELUS She CAN Coach. During the first phase, Clubs from these two provinces were eligible to complete the application process. The selected clubs from both provinces have demonstrated the ability to participate in the program, have a leader who prioritizes the inclusion of women and girls, have a committed staff member who will oversee the program’s operations, and hold a Canada Soccer Club License.
Canada Soccer has selected the following [12] Clubs from Alberta and [eight] Clubs from Nova Scotia for the first phase of TELUS She CAN Coach:
Alberta:
Eastside Memorial FC
\u200bMedicine Hat Soccer Association
\u200bCalgary Foothills FC
\u200bBTB Soccer Club
\u200bCalgary Rangers Soccer Club
\u200bMill Woods Soccer Association (Selects FC)
\u200bMcKenzie United Soccer Club
\u200bCalgary Blizzard Soccer Club
\u200bCalgary Rockies FC
\u200bSpruce Grove Soccer
\u200bNew Frontier Soccer Club
\u200bCalgary Villains FC
Nova Scotia:
Ignite Soccer
\u200bHalifax City Soccer Club
\u200bSoccer Cape Breton (Cape Breton FC)
\u200bStorm Soccer Club
\u200bUnited DFC
\u200bFundy Youth Soccer Club
\u200bSuburban FC
\u200bHalifax Dunbrack Soccer Club
“The future of soccer in Canada is brighter with the support and empowerment of our female leaders both on and off the field,” said Alison Meaney, General Manager, McKenzie United Soccer Club. “As long-standing allies and advocates for girls and women in soccer, McKenzie United SC is thrilled to be selected to participate in the inaugural TELUS, She CAN Coach program.”
“In the next phase, we will begin the recruitment process for new coaches, and we are confident that it will bring an exceptional group of women into coaching,” added McConaghy.
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\u200bThe dates below reflect the overall program timeline and status:
June – July, 2023: Club Application Window (Closed)
August, 2023: Club Selection (Closed)
September, 2023: Club Onboarding
October – December, 2023: Coach Recruitment
January, 2024: Program Launch
January – May, 2024: Coach Certification & Coach Huddles
June – August, 2024: Practical Coach Experience
September, 2024: Close Evaluation
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\u200bCanada Soccer would like to thank all the clubs that have submitted applications for the TELUS She CAN Coach. Additional information regarding the next phases of TELUS She CAN Coach will be released in the near future.