The 2021 Canada Games Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program (WCAP) and the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP) are now accepting applications. These programs attract and support underrepresented populations in coaching, providing female and Aboriginal coaches with a practical and integrated national multi-sport games experience. The Canada Games have successfully used apprenticeship coach programs since the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two female coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. Selected coaches will be directly involved in preparation and receive support from an identified mentor coach throughout the duration of the program.

Likewise the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two coaches of aboriginal ancestry to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. The program aims to build coaching capacity within aboriginal communities and both programs provide coaches with enhanced professional development and learning opportunities to prepare them for higher level coaching.

The Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program and the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program are a partnership between the Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (P/TCRs), the Canada Games Council (CGC) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC); the AACP is also in partnership with the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (P/TASB) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC). The P/TCRs, CGS and CAC believe apprenticeship is as an essential part of the development of a coach.

The deadline for applications is January 10, 2020. Information regarding the Canada Games Women in Coaching Program can be found here: https://www.canadagames.ca/node/1926. Information regarding the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program can be found here: https://www.canadagames.ca/node/1931.