CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – September 2026
“When coaching, I see a different side to the student. It’s where they, and their parents, really value coaches giving of their voluntary time.”
By David Grossman
When one talks with Charles Minor, you’re confronted with a man who is sparkling with confidence and enthusiasm.
Minor has recognized the benefits of working hard, the power of listening and educating. His students have experienced, and continue to do so, an increased sense of belonging and engagement. The results: better outcomes.
He’s no miracle worker, but Minor has been there, gone there and done it.
In a world experiencing so much change, his insights and leadership are effective. As a lifetime educator and sports coach for some 32 years, Minor has been the one person that thousands of young people have asked questions to – and he’s been giving productive feedback.
His success, for the most part, goes beyond mentorship.
It’s more like providing support for the emotional and physical well-being aspects of life – and that’s where his coaching ability has been superlative. If you haven’t figured it out, Minor – with a lifetime journey of experience – is passionate about enlightening the lives of others.
As a youngster growing up in Toronto, Minor was a sports junkie. As a multi-sport athlete as a teen, he adored hockey and dreamed of becoming just like Bobby Orr, the National Hockey League legend. While that didn’t materialize, Minor chose to follow the route of family members and become a teacher.
Now retired after 32 years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher with the Scarborough Board of Education and later amalgamated to become the Toronto District School Board, Minor recalls some special times at various schools.
Teaching Grade 5 at Centennial Road Public School is one of them.
That’s when he caught the coaching bug.
“That’s exactly where my love for coaching started,” said Minor, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent University in Peterborough and his education degree from the University of Manitoba.
“I loved the style and approach to everything by my Principal (Malcolm Brown). A great guy, he motivated me in many ways and that’s when I decided to coach and not just one sport – volleyball, soccer, cross country and track. I’ll never forget him.”
Now 58 years old, Minor has his stories about education and sport.
“Teaching is great, you follow a curriculum,” he said. “When coaching, I see a different side to the student. I’ve taught in an upper-class community, but also in parts of the city with new Canadians and under-privileged kids. It’s where they, and their parents, really value coaches giving of their voluntary time.
“It’s an amazing feeling. When I first started (coaching), it was winning and banners. But in a school environment, I quickly realized that’s not what it’s about. Things changed. Coaching became more about helping youngsters be the best they can, build friendships and goals, learn from failures and celebrate achievements. Grow from disappointments and learn to cope in a positive manner.”
Minor said in some cases, sports is what kept young people in school.
“I always struggled with teachers who would ask me to not play a kid because his or her homework wasn’t done,” he said. “Participating in sport, I knew, was often the thing they look forward to more than anything. (Kids) cared about participating.
“You can go buy medals, but not experience, learning and friendships. That takes effort, desire and a willingness to focus on life in a better way.”
After retirement, Minor focussed his attention to coaching.
“I wanted to be busy, retirement is a part of my life and so is coaching – I love it and find it amazing,” said Minor who has a personal devotion to cross country running, which has been a huge part of his life.
“I did (running) through university, using it to keep fit for hockey and soccer, and now as an adult, running marathons in Chicago and New York City. It has taught me how to deal with setbacks and disappointments – and become the best person I can be.”
Three years ago, Minor tinkered with more of a reserved lifestyle.
“The thought of what will I do when I retire kept coming up,” he said. “I wanted to continue coaching, had experience with track clubs, and then came an opportunity.
“Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) staff contacted me – and I thought there was no way I’d get to coach there. They offered me the head coach job with the cross-country team and I’ve been there since.
“As a coach at the elementary school level, it’s all about a supervisory role and managing. At university, it’s really the opposite. I’m dealing with adults. Careers are around the corner, so I remind them about creating a plan – and then following it. In every situation, I want to see enthusiasm and progression.”
In addition to his job with TMU, Minor has launched his own club – the Richmond Hill Rockets. For the most part, it’s a continuation of the athletes who devote their summer months to the sport.
For the past several years, the Coaches Association of Ontario – through a series titled “Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench” – have featured stories on coaches in a variety of sports and from across the province.
In this story, the spotlight is on Minor.
Sharing his background, Minor is a member of Canada’s Indigenous community. With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation being observed on September 30 – a Memorial Day to recognize the atrocities and multi-generational effects of the Canadian Indian residential school system.
“I was brought up without any acknowledgement of being Indigenous and while I had some ideas, I wanted to find out, explore and see our background,” said Minor, affiliated with Mattawa Nipissing Métis.
“We knew there was Indigenous blood in our family, but our dad disavowed it, kept it quiet because we were considered to not be part of the Canadian society.”
“In the 1960’s and 70’s, we were brought up to be ashamed about it. Now, it’s different. My brother and I took on history, checked birth records and certificates. There was Métis background. I’m a product of it – and proud, too. Ten years ago, we were granted status by the Métis Nation of Ontario.”
-END-
David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations. In 2026, he was inducted to the Toronto Sports Hall of Honour with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Coaching is about helping youngsters be the best they can, build friendships and goals, learn from failures and celebrate achievements.”
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