National Coaches Week is September 14-20, 2026!

National Coaches Week is a week to celebrate the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach.

5 Ways You Can Take Part

1. Explore the Participation Guide: The National Coaches Week Participation Guide contains everything you need to make National Coaches Week a success for your coach, team, and organization.
2. Say #ThanksCoach on social media: Follow National Coaches Week on Facebook and Instagram using #CoachesWeek and #ThanksCoach. You can search in the Instagram for the “National Coaches Week’ GIF, available in the platform’s library, to celebrate this week!
3. Join a community event: Organize a community event to say #ThanksCoach, or join one taking place in your province or territory. 
4. Interesting in taking up coaching?: Learn more about how to Get Coaching at our dedicated page. We take you through the steps to take on this amazing community role, a coach!
5. Enjoy FREE or discounted NCCP education: This National Coaches Week we’re saying #ThanksCoach with FREE eLearning! Each day throughout National Coaches Week we’re highlighting free multi-sport eLearning modules to support coaches in continuing their Professional Development. Log in daily to the Locker to get started! 

Discounted NCCP During National Coaches Week:

• September 14 – NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
• September 15 – NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment
• September 16 – NCCP Sport Nutrition
• September 17 – NCCP Coaching Athletes With a Disability  

Note: The paid eLearning modules must be initiated on the day indicated above to take advantage of the free offer.

Virtual Summit

Presented by the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), the Ontario Coaches Summit Series returns virtually September 15 – 17, 2026!

As the largest and most diverse sport leadership event in the province, the Ontario Coaches Summit Series (OCSS) brings together coaches, sport leaders, researchers, and industry experts to explore the ideas shaping the future of coaching and sport.

Attendees will gain access to behind-the-scenes stories, cutting-edge research, and masterclass-style learning experiences delivered by leading experts from around the world.

FREE registration is available in celebration of National Coaches Week!

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards

Ontario’s highest coaching honour across all sports and levels is annually awarded to exemplary coaches across Ontario for the integral role they play with their team(s), sport and community. 15 selected coaches will be recognized during a special VIP CFL celebration on September 19, 2026 at BMO Field!

The 2026 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award Winners are:

• Amanda Leang – Gymnastics, Ninja & Cheer – Kemptville, ON
• Bijeesh Vilasiniamma – Badminton – Ottawa, ON
• Brett Lumley – Track & Field – Windsor, ON (Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement)
• Colin Johnson – Cycling – Hamilton, ON
• Craig Hayter – Volleyball – London, ON (Hydro One Safe Play Award)
• Dave Narwal – Wrestling – Brampton, ON
• Dylan Gerongco – Basketball – Toronto, ON (Susan Kitchen Trailblazer Award)
• Jedda Tomlin – Multi-Sport – Scarborough, ON (OFSAA School Sport Award)
• Jenny Pellegrino – Volleyball – Hamilton, ON (Hydro One Safe Play Award)
• John Beduhn – Hockey – Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• Julie Byers – Speed Skating – Kitchener, ON (Performance Coach Award)
• Mike Smith – Multi-Sport – Hamilton, ON (OFSAA School Sport Award)
• Robyn Elliott – Judo – Kingston, ON
• Virginia Samuel – Multi-Sport – Toronto, ON
• Wayne Howard – Alpine Ski – Collingwood, ON

ThanksCoach VIP Swag Box!

The #ThanksCoach VIP Box is back for 2026!

Send this gift to a coach you know who has made an impact, or buy one for yourself!

Our VIP box features items from independent Ontario businesses who have a connection to coaching and sport! Only $14.99 – including FREE Ontario shipping!

Purchase early – quantities are limited and once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Ontario Landmarks Light Up to Say #ThanksCoach

Landmarks from across the province will light up blue, gold and red through September 14 – 20, 2026, in support of National Coaches Week in Ontario.

Ontario’s Municipalities Proclaim National Coaches Week!

Municipalities across Ontario will proclaim September 14 – 20, 2026, National Coaches Week!