Coach 2 Coach - BIPOC Mentorship Program - Coaches Association of Ontario

Why We Do It

Coach 2 Coach Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) Mentorship Program is an exciting initiative which aims to provide greater support for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to mentor and/or receive mentorship opportunities.

Why Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Coaches Make a Difference

Coaches make a huge impact on the athletes they coach. Having coaches from diverse backgrounds become mentors, provides apprentices with an opportunity to network and connects with coaches from similar experiences and backgrounds.

Please read below for more information.

*“Seeing someone that looks like you having success in something you want to do is a great form of motivation and provides that reminder that it’s already been done before.”*
**– Jai Cunningham**

Apply Today!

Program Overview

Provide a mentorship model for BIPOC coaches in Ontario – within and across sports
Provide a resource hub for apprentice coaches to build and enhance their skills, abilities and knowledge
Provide coaches from a variety of sports with an opportunity to learn from highly trained coaches and experts across the province
Create a broader pool of coaches with qualifications and tools that meet the requirements for participating in coaching, from grassroots to competition development
Engage the system through PSO’s, education sector partnerships and community groups province-wide to cultivate an environment for balanced leadership
Build lasting supportive relationships between and among coaches to create a legacy program that is sustainable

So, how does CAO make matches?

When matching mentors and apprentice coaches, the needs and goals identified by each individual in their application will be analyzed and considered.
An Advisory Panel will factor in experience, age and context of athletes, and other needs
Followed by career path, special target group coaching, years of experience between apprentice and mentor

If apprentice’s have already coordinated a match with a mentor they can let the CAO staff know.

WHO: Black, Indigenous and People of Colour who want to become a Coach for the first time, OR an existing Coach looking to grow further as a coach and leader
WHY: Training, support, connections, enhancement

Participants receive:

1-to-1 mentorship with an experienced mentor who will work with them to develop an individual learning plan
Honorarium for professional development
Free access to online PD webinars
An online community of coaches
Online resource hub

WHO: Experienced Black, Indigenous, People of Colour coaches who want to get involved in supporting female apprentices in their coach and leadership development
WHY: You will leave a legacy in your sport, receive support, tools, resources, mentorship training, and professional development

Applications open: June 1, 2022
Applications close: July 15 2022
Program Orientation: Mid-August 2022