Ontario Coaches Summit Series in Oakville: Elevating Leaders, Innovating Sport

  • February 28, 2026

OAKVILLE – February 28, 2026 – Coaches and sport leaders from across Ontario are gathering today in Oakville for the highly anticipated Ontario Coaches Summit Series (OCSS), hosted by the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO). This sold-out event promises an inspiring and transformative experience, bringing together coaches from over 30 sports to share insights, elevate coaching practices, and strengthen leadership within Ontario’s vibrant sport community.

The Summit will feature an exciting lineup of experts, including:

  • Jhanelle Peters, Mental Health Clinician, and Founder of Jhanelle Peters Psychotherapy, leading a session on recognizing performance anxiety, building confidence, and performing under pressure.
  • Atiba Hutchinson, Canada’s most-capped player and former Men’s National Soccer Team captain and Doneil Henry, elite defender with 40+ international caps, in a special fireside chat with TSN FIFA 2026 reporter, Matthew Scianitti.
  • Jenny Rearick, Public Speaking Coach, and Founder of Fit to Speak, exploring the impact of coaches’ voice, clarity, and confidence.

Attendees will engage in hands-on masterclass workshops, including a try-it blind soccer session led by Ontario Blind Sports Association (OBSA), as well as practical strategies for coaching the mind, building athlete confidence and strengthening communication skills.

“OCSS continues to lead the way in championing learning and development for Ontario’s coaches,” says CAO’s Executive Director, Jeremy Cross. “Across the province, coaches and sport leaders are collaborating with a shared dedication to advancing professional growth, fostering innovation, and building resilient, positive sport environments.”

With the Ministry of Sport’s continued support, coaches can access professional development opportunities such as the Ontario Coaches Summit Series at reduced rates. Since 2007, CAO’s leadership events have inspired tens of thousands of coaches, shaping the future of coaching and sport in Ontario.

“From grassroots participation to high-performance competition, Ontario’s coaches are a cornerstone of the athletic development pathway,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our government is proud to support the Coaches Association of Ontario and bring coaches together from across the province as they work to help our athletes grow and succeed.”

For coaches unable to attend in person, the Summit continues virtually throughout National Coaches Week this September, with sessions starting at $0, ensuring accessibility for coaches from every corner of Ontario.

For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit www.coachesontario.ca/summit and follow the hashtag #OCSS on social media.

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. Providing coach development, funding opportunities, and events that support, recognize and represent all coaches across the province.
For more information, please visit www.coachesontario.ca, follow us on FacebookLinkedINInstagram