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Communities across Canada are invited to say #ThanksCoach from September 14-20, 2026 

OTTAWA, ON, September 14, 2026 - The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) invites communities from coast to coast to coast to celebrate the coaches who strengthen sport during National Coaches Week, taking place September 14-20, 2026. 

 

Now in its 12th year, National Coaches Week recognizes the positive impact coaches have on athletes and participants at every level of sport. Coaches help create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where participants can develop skills, build confidence, experience belonging and discover a lifelong connection to sport. 

 

Throughout the week, athletes, parents, volunteers and sport organizations are encouraged to recognize the coaches who have made a difference in their lives and communities by sharing a message using #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek. 

 

“Coaches show us what is possible, helping athletes across Canada realize their full potential both on and off the field. Through their leadership, they build safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments where everyone belongs and communities grow stronger together,” says the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “This National Coaches Week, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate the dedicated coaches who make a lasting impact on every athlete’s journey, from the playground to the podium.” 

 

Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the Coaching Association of Canada knows the impact coaches have on sport. "Coaches create the conditions for athletes and participants to learn, belong and grow, while helping build stronger communities across Canada. National Coaches Week is a chance for all of us to recognize that impact and say a heartfelt #ThanksCoach to the people who show up, lead with care and make every sport experience matter.” 

 

Free NCCP eLearning 

Coaches can diversify their knowledge through four NCCP eLearning modules offered free on their respective days during National Coaches Week: 

 

Coaches can log in to The Locker and use the promo codes provided on the NCW page to access each free module on the date listed. 

 

Recognize a Coach 

This year's campaign offers several ways to take part: 

 

National Coaches Week is supported by partners at all levels of the sport system in Canada including National Sport Organizations (NSOs), Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (P/TSOs), Aboriginal Sport Bodies (ASBs), and Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (P/TCRs).

 

For campaign details, the Participation Guide and the latest updates, visit coach.ca/ncw. 
 

About National Coaches Week

National Coaches Week (NCW) is a national annual event to celebrate and recognize coaches for the invaluable role they play in shaping athletes’ lives and fostering a positive sports culture. The Coaching Association of Canada provides resources to promote participation in this event, including encouraging sport organizations and athletes to share their own messages to say #ThanksCoach. 

 

About the Coaching Association of Canada 

The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. For more information, please visit www.coach.ca, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.  

 

For More Information or Media Inquiries: 

Sarah Min 
Manager, Marketing and Communications 
Coaching Association of Canada  
smin@coach.ca