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Ontario Soccer Joining Canada Soccer’s She Can Coach Program

By Staff, 06/05/24, 10:45AM EDT

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Canada Soccer has announced the expansion of the TELUS She CAN Coach program into its second year, following a highly successful inaugural year.

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Canada Soccer has announced the expansion of the TELUS She CAN Coach program into its second year, following a highly successful inaugural year. The program, designed to support and enhance the education and development of women coaches in grassroots soccer, saw impressive participation and impact in its first year and is set to reach even more Canadians in the program’s second year.

Building on the success of Year 1, Canada Soccer is excited to announce that the TELUS She CAN Coach program will expand in Year 2 to include new partnerships with BC Soccer, Manitoba Soccer Association and Ontario Soccer.

Ontario Soccer applauds these efforts and is excited for another opportunity to increase the development of women coaches in our province. Ontario Soccer’s very own, Miranda Wiley, Manager of Player and Coach Development, sees this as a great opportunity for women in grassroots soccer, looking to enhance their experience into becoming excelling coaches.

"I think this is amazing news for us! It's something that I have been looking forward to since the announcement of the program. I believe this is greatly needed and appreciated. On behalf of Ontario Soccer and our Clubs, I would like to thank Canada Soccer for this wonderful opportunity," said Ms. Wiley. "Women deserve these opportunities just as much as men do in soccer and I can only see good things coming for Year 2 now in Ontario."

In the first year of the TELUS She CAN Coach program, a collective effort was seen from 20 clubs— 12 in Alberta and eight in Nova Scotia. More than 200 coaches were recruited to participate, beginning or continuing their Canada Soccer Grassroots Coach Education. This widespread involvement underscores the increasing interest and dedication to promoting coaching opportunities for women in Canada.

“Its expansion to provinces, like ours, is greatly appreciated,” said Matt Ferreira, Director, Development, Ontario Soccer. “Ontario Soccer strives for inclusivity and fair opportunities for all genders, which is why we think it is tremendously important to participate. We are truly grateful to be part of this program and know it will help more women in our Clubs grow in their soccer grassroots education.”

"This is definitely an opportunity we should not miss," added Mr. Ferreira. "With OPDL and LTPD turning 10 this year, we should most definitely focus on how to make our Clubs and programs as inclusive as possible. To have a specific program focusing on the improvements in women's coaching here at Ontario Soccer, is truly exciting for what is to come next."