National Coaches Week in Ontario

National Coaches Week is Sept 15-21, 2025!

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.

  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! 

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

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 13, 2025 at BMO Field!

Winning coaches are also awarded a $500 prize to be used on purchases they make for their team, club or organization, from local Ontario and Canadian businesses, proudly provided by Hydro One Inc.

The 2025 Award Winners are:

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards

Win $500 & a VIP Experience – 15 Coaches Will Win

Nominations closed to 2026
  • Gord Butler – Curling – Ottawa
  • Gord Gallimore – Football – Brampton
  • Shawn Hachey – Martial Arts – Barrie
  • Julius Vincent Naredo – Basketball – Toronto
  • Deluxshan Pathmanathan – Basketball – Oshawa
  • Lana Perry – Archery – Sault Ste Marie
  • Courtney Proudfoot – Ringette – Waterloo
  • Sandra Sinclair – Baseball – Kingston
  • Diane Tonner – Taekwondo – Scarborough
  • Nicola Vescio – Multisport – Toronto
  • Amanda Valiquette – School Sport – Ottawa
  • Jeff Masterson – School Sport – King City
  • Terrance McMahon – Volleyball – Fort Frances
    Susan Kitchen Trailblazer Award
  • Janet Lawless – Karate – Manotick
    Hydro One Safe Play Award
  • Ken Hall – Para Throws and Para Hockey – Brampton
    Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement Award

Welcome to the exclusive #ThanksCoach VIP box, returning for 2025, after selling out in record time in 2024!

Sale Starts Aug 9th

Featuring items from local Ontario businesses, you can purchase this limited edition box for a coach you know and/or buy it for yourself! Includes FREE Ontario shipping! Purchase early – quantities are limited and once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Celebrate a coach you know in your community and send them this VIP #ThanksCoach box!

Limited Edition ThanksCoach VIP Box

Purchase for a coach or yourself! FREE ON Shipping

Check It Out

Landmarks from across the province will light up blue, gold and red through September 15-21 in support of National Coaches Week in Ontario.
Full listing available in September.

Municipalities across Ontario will proclaim Sept 15-21 National Coaches Week!
Full listing available starting in September.