OTTAWA, ON (June 1, 2026) – The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2027 Canada Games Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program.

This program is a partnership of Canada’s Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCRs), the Canada Games Council (CGC), and the CAC. It provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two (2) women coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. The 2027 Canada Winter Games will be held in Quebec City from February 27 to March 14, featuring over 2,400 athletes competing in 22 winter sports.

"We take pride in our ongoing commitment to support apprentice coaches. Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we cultivate an environment where coaches can enhance their skills, leveraging professional development opportunities, gain invaluable experience in major national multisport games, and networking opportunities with fellow coaches, mentors, and sports leaders," says Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the CAC. 

Apprentice coaches, as integral members of their provincial/territorial teams, gain access to significant professional growth avenues that pave the way for them to attain their Competition – Development certification within the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).  

“We are looking forward to supporting this cohort of apprentice coaches as they continue their development leading up to the 2027 Canada Games in Quebec City. This program is a powerful example of how collaboration across provinces and territories can advance gender equity in sport. With coaches represented across more than 20 sports, its growth reflects a strong and sustained impact—supporting confidence, connection, and continued development. We value the opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and advance a more inclusive coaching system across Canada”, shares Emily Vickery, Co-Chair of PTCRs.  

Among the benefits are participation in domestic multi-sport events, guidance from a committed mentor coach, and interactions with high performance coaches from across Canada. For the 2027 cohort, this includes attending two Professional Development Weekends powered by Nike.  During these dedicated events, the Apprentice Coaches will have the opportunity to come together to connect, network, and further their education and skills as coaches. Nike is powering the future of youth sport, starting with coaching, and is committed to more inclusive coaching by increasing the quantity, quality and diversity of coaches. 

“As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Canada Games, we are thrilled to welcome these coaches to the 2027 Canada Games preparation, training, and competition experience! It is a particular point of pride to see the names of Canada Games alumni taking part in this impactful collaboration with the CAC. This program is a tremendous example of how the Canada Games foster the development of the next generation of sport and community leaders from coast to coast to coast”, says Kelly-Ann Paul, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Games Council.  

The 2027 Women in Coaching Apprentice Coaches are as follows:

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, Twitter or Instagram. 

About the Canada Games Council 

The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up-and-coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least twice since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments. 

For more information: 

Andrea Johnson 
Advisor, Equity Programs 
Coaching Association of Canada  
ajohnson@coach.ca 

For media inquiries: 

Sarah Min 
Manager, Marketing  
Coaching Association of Canada  
smin@coach.ca 
Tel: 613.235.5000 x 2341 

Katie Hughes  
Advisor, Communications & Marketing 
Canada Games Council 
khughes@canadagames.ca 
Tel: 416-931-4848