Groundbreaking women’s coaching initiative adds Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador while building on record-breaking success across Canada.
Toronto, Ontario — Canada Soccer’s transformative TELUS She CAN Coach program is entering its third year with significant expansion, adding Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador to its growing network of provinces dedicated to developing women coaches across the country. The program will also return to British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, building on the remarkable success of its second year.
Record-Breaking Growth and Impact
Year 2 of the TELUS She CAN Coach program achieved unprecedented reach, engaging over 400 women coaches across 50 community clubs nationwide. The program’s innovative blend of virtual learning and in-person experiences created tailored development opportunities within inclusive, women-led environments that have become the hallmark of the initiative.
The standout achievement of Year 2 was the implementation of six Regional Coach Education Weekends held in Edmonton, Calgary, Vaughan, Ottawa, Halifax, and Vancouver. These intensive weekends transcended traditional workshop formats, creating powerful platforms for mentorship, leadership development, and community building.
“These weekends were more than workshops. They were powerful moments of mentorship, leadership, and solidarity that coaches carried back to their clubs and communities,” organizers noted, emphasizing the program’s focus on sustainable impact beyond individual training sessions.
Strategic Foundation for Women’s Soccer Development
The TELUS She CAN Coach program serves as a flagship initiative within Canada Soccer’s comprehensive Women and Girls Strategy, which aims to systematically remove barriers, create equitable pathways, and increase representation for women across all levels of Canadian soccer.
Sara McConaghy, Canada Soccer’s Director of Community Development, highlighted the program’s proven effectiveness: “Year 2 proved that TELUS She CAN Coach drives real change by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in coaching. As we enter Year 3, the program expands into Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador, while continuing in returning provinces.”
The strategic approach focuses on three core pillars: intentional recruitment, strong support networks, and targeted guidance designed to help coaches navigate the soccer system with confidence and competence.
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Provincial Partnerships Drive Expansion
The Year 3 expansion represents a significant milestone in the program’s national reach. New partnerships with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association and the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association join established collaborations with the Manitoba Soccer Association, BC Soccer, and Ontario Soccer.
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Vision
Adam Mooi, Technical Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, expressed enthusiasm for joining the program: “The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association is proud to be part of Year 3 of the TELUS She CAN Coach Program. The success of this program in the previous years shows how impactful it is.”
Mooi emphasized the alignment between the program and provincial goals: “Being part of this program aligns with our vision of having more women involved in technical leadership roles within the Newfoundland and Labrador soccer ecosystem, as well as continuing to keep girls involved in the sport for longer.”
Saskatchewan’s Comprehensive Approach
Saskatchewan Soccer Association is implementing an innovative dual-track approach that extends beyond individual coach development. Ashlyn Therens, Manager of Coach and Player Development, outlined the province’s ambitious plans: “Saskatchewan Soccer will be utilizing the TELUS She CAN Coach to support the training of up to 15 female coach developers throughout the province.”
This multiplier effect represents a strategic investment in long-term capacity building. “We are thrilled to have the TELUS She CAN Coach come to Saskatchewan this year,” Therens added. “This program will help us give women a supportive and inclusive environment to begin their coaching journey with confidence and a network of support throughout the country.”
National Network Effect
The expansion to five provinces creates a coast-to-coast network of women coaches, facilitating unprecedented opportunities for learning, mentorship, and leadership development. This geographic diversity strengthens the program’s impact by incorporating regional perspectives and coaching philosophies while maintaining consistent quality standards.
The network effect extends beyond individual development, creating a sustainable ecosystem where experienced coaches mentor newcomers, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative approaches to player development and team management.
Application Process and Timeline
Community clubs across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador are now eligible to apply for Year 3 participation. The application window opened September 2, 2025, and will close on September 30, 2025.
Interested clubs are encouraged to visit the TELUS She CAN Coach webpage for comprehensive application details, program requirements, and selection criteria.
Long-Term Impact on Canadian Soccer
The TELUS She CAN Coach program addresses a critical gap in Canadian soccer development by creating pathways for women to enter and advance in coaching roles. This systematic approach to gender equity in coaching leadership positions the program as a model for other sports organizations seeking to create meaningful change.
The program’s emphasis on women-led development environments ensures that participants receive mentorship and guidance from coaches who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in sports leadership roles.
As Year 3 launches, the program continues to demonstrate that targeted investment in women’s coaching development creates ripple effects throughout the soccer community, benefiting players, clubs, and the broader Canadian soccer ecosystem.
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