Coach 2 Coach – OCAA Mentorship Program

Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Mentorship Program provides a streamlined pathway for OCAA transitioning athletes who are looking to develop as a coach. The program is a joint initiative by the Coaches Association of Ontario and OCAA.

Why OCAA Mentorship Makes A Difference

The OCAA Mentorship program supercharges a new coach’s development. Consistent 1-to-1 support, ongoing professional development, access to sport experts, peer network inclusion, all built around a dedicated learning framework to make this possible.

“This program provides excellent support for our members and especially for our student-athletes that are considering coaching as the next stage in their sport journey.”
– Kyle Pelly, Executive Director, OCAA

See below:

  • Provide a development pathway for apprentice coaches to build and enhance their skills, abilities and knowledge
  • Provide a mentorship model for OCAA assistant coaches
  • Support a strong coach development pathway within the OCAA

  • 10 program spots each year (5 male, 5 female)
  • 2-year program
  • $2000/year in funding for each mentorship pair
  • PD workshops, events and resources
  • Access to experts in sport science and leadership

 

  • Application process opens April 1st, 2024
  • Application process closes May 15th, 2024
  • Selections announced by June 2nd, 2024
  • On-boarding: July 2024
  • Program Runs Aug 2024 – July 2026

Schools receive the following benefits:

  • $4000 in funding over two years to cover the apprentice coach position
  • A 2-year structured coach mentorship program facilitated by CAO.

    Who?

    • Athletes looking to make the transition to coaching at OCAA level

    Participants receive:

    • 1-to-1 mentorship with an experienced mentor who will work with them to develop an individual learning plan
    • Free access to PD webinars, events, and resources
    • Connection to a larger coaching network

     

    Who?

    Experienced coaches who want to support a OCAA assistant coach in their coach and leadership development

    Why?

    The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in sport, by helping the next generation of coaches develop their skills.

     

     

      “The program helped with accountability towards my coaching goals. During the season it is often easy to by pass focusing on my own development, this program helped ensure that is forefront and the importance of it.”
      – Mentorship Program Coach

      Applications for this program should be completed by the relevant school department. Mentors and Apprentices interested in this program should speak with their athletic department about applying.

      The application consists of four components: Mentorship Resume, Apprentice Letter of Intent, Learning Plan, and School Information. The Mentor, Apprentice, and Department contact should work together to complete these documents, then submit them all together using the form linked below.

      Please complete a Mentor resume that outlines the following:

      • Relevant coaching experience
      • NCCP & other coach education
      • Commitment to quality coaching
      • Mentoring or leadership development experience

      Please have the apprentice complete the following letter of intent:

      Please prepare a mentorship learning plan document:

      • Department contact, prospective mentor, and apprentice should meet and write it together
      • It should cover the learning and development objectives for the Apprentice
      • It can include anything else the Mentor and Apprentice think is relevant to the proposed Mentorship

      The athletic department should complete the following school questionnaire:

      Submit Application

      “While I made my living as a coach, I have lived my life to be a mentor-and to be mentored!-constantly.

      Everything in the world has been passed down. Every piece of knowledge is something that has been shared by someone else. If you understand it as I do, mentoring becomes your true legacy. It is the greatest inheritance you can give to others. It is why you get up every day-to teach and be taught.”

      – John Wooden

      Contact Us

      If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Stuart McLaren stuart@coachesontario.ca, 416-426-7086.

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