COACHES ARE MENTORS, MOTIVATORS AND LEADERS
Along with parents and teachers, coaches have a profound impact on the future of our children. It is a great responsibility, and Canada’s two million coaches embrace it with passion and dedication.
We work to provide coaches and coach developers with access to development and education opportunities, support mechanisms and funding resources to continue the pursuit of coaching excellence across Alberta.
Don McGavern Retires
Don McGavern, former Canadian National Technical Director/Coaching Coordinator and Level 4 National Sport Coach/Learning Facilitator, has announced his retirement from his roles in sport training (specifically diving) and National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coach development as of December 31, 2021.
The Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch wishes to thank “Coach Don” for his dedication, passion and enthusiasm for sport in Alberta, and extends a sincere congratulations to him on his retirement.
Read more on Don's contribution to coaching and sport in Alberta.
Canada Games Apprenticeship Coach Programs
The purpose of the Canada Games Apprenticeship Program is to provide women and aboriginal coaches with a practical and integrated major national multi-sport games experience. Selected coaches have direct involvement in preparation and competition and receive support from an identified mentor coach throughout the duration of the program.
These programs provide the opportunity for each province and territory to send 2 female coaches and 2 aboriginal coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. Apprenticeship programs are an essential part of the development of a coach. Furthermore, apprenticeship programs can be used as a means to build capacity in underrepresented populations in coaching, such as women and aboriginals.
ABORIGINAL APPRENTICE COACH PROGRAM
The AACP in Alberta is a partnership between the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), Indigenous Sport Council (Alberta), the Canada Games Council (CGC), Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Provincial Sport Organizations and Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch.
Alberta apprentice coach involved in the 2022 Canada Summer Games:
| Sport | Apprentice | Mentor |
| Wrestling | Taylor McPherson | Owen Dawkins / Breanne Graham |
Alberta apprentice coaches involved in the 2023 Canada Winter Games:
| Sport | Apprentice | Mentor |
| Curling | Robert Sibbeston | Renee Sonnenberg |
| Speed Skating | Alison Desmarais | Cristina Lazarescu |
WOMEN IN COACHING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Women in Coaching Canada Games Apprenticeship Program in Alberta is a partnership between, Canada Games Council (CGC), Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Provincial Sport Organizations and Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch.
Alberta apprentice coaches involved in 2022 Canada Summer Games program:
| Sport | Apprentice | Mentor |
| Rugby | Chelsea Ross | Neil Langevin |
| Triathlon | Charlotte Farrant | Lisa Mensink |
Alberta apprentice coaches involved in the 2023 Canada Winter Games program
| Sport | Apprentice | Mentor |
| Speed Skating | Emily Rendell-Watson | Cristina Lazarescu |
| Hockey | Shanya Shwetz | Barry Medori |