AccelerateHER Coaching Program Builds Equity, Community, and Capacity in Canadian Soccer  

In May, Canada Soccer hosted the latest installment of its AccelerateHER program, a national women’s coaching initiative aimed at advancing gender equity, strengthening coaching capacity, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for women in the game. Delivered in Montréal, this first-ever all-women’s Concacaf B Diploma brought together 28 women coaches from across the region for several days of hands-on learning, mentorship, and community building. The group of women included six coach developers, one of whom was Hollie Babut, who was hand-picked by FIFA to attend the inaugural FIFA Female Coach Educator’s Development Pathway course in Portugal. 

“In Montreal, an exceptional group of women coach developers created an environment that was not only supportive and safe, but also challenging in the best way. It’s difficult to fully capture the magic that happened during this experience—but, simply put, we all could and did show up as our true selves: authentically, without ego, and deeply committed to growing ourselves and our impact. The connections we built—in the classroom, on the field, and beyond—are ones we will cherish for a long time.”   

– Alex Valerio, Manager of Club Licensing, Canada Soccer Coach Developer 

The AccelerateHER Program is part of Canada Soccer’s strategic initiative to foster gender equity within Canada Soccer’s Advanced Coaching landscape, and commitment to a more inclusive and diverse coaching landscape, paving the way for sustained excellence in women’s soccer. 

“Being surrounded by women who share similar backgrounds, ambitions and challenges strengthened my sense of belonging. It made me aware of my value, my voice, and the collective power we can deploy when we’re all together in a safe, stimulating space.” 

– Andréanne Thériault, AccelerateHER program participant 

Growing the Game from the Sidelines 

By supporting more women to step into advanced coaching roles, AccelerateHER is helping shape a game that reflects the diversity of those who play it. Coaches do more than develop players — they foster confidence, connection, and culture. When women are given the opportunity to lead at higher levels, players see what’s possible, communities thrive, and the game becomes stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable. 

“If we want girls to stay in sports, they need representation in all aspects of the game to see themselves staying in the game. Giving women the tools to lead the next generation will certainly increase the growth in the women’s game.” 

– Catherine Ridgeway, AccelerateHER program participant 

Championing Gender Equity in Canadian Sport 

Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in coaching and leadership, particularly in high-performance environments. AccelerateHER addresses that gap by providing women-specific entry points and development opportunities within Canada Soccer’s Advanced Coach Education Program. 

The Montréal B Diploma was delivered by six experienced women Coach Educators, with a curriculum that included virtual sessions with top sports experts, and a call with Women’s National Team Head Coach, Casey Stoney. That structure cultivated a learning environment where participants felt safe to be open, ask questions, and support each other. 

“It felt safe to fail and like there were many hands there to lift me up. It was especially amazing to see the breadth and depth of coaching abilities in my female colleagues and to observe and learn from them how they deal with many of the unique challenges of being a female coach.” 

– Samantha Samuelson, AccelerateHER program participant 

Safe Spaces Build Stronger Coaches 

The program prioritized more than just technical development; it was about building community and confidence. 

Throughout the workshop, participants grew increasingly comfortable sharing their stories, challenges, and aspirations. For many, it was their first time participating in a coaching course delivered exclusively to women. 

“Spaces like this offer something rare: validation, solidarity, and community. We get to speak openly about our experiences without fear of being labeled “difficult” or “emotional,” and we get to see firsthand that we’re not alone in the barriers we face, whether it’s being underestimated, overlooked, or unsupported.” 

– Tristan Robinson, AccelerateHER program participant 

Paving the Way for Professional Coaches 

A key part of AccelerateHER and Canada Soccer’s commitment to gender equity and a more diverse coaching landscape is developing professional-level coaches, including those who may one day lead in top domestic leagues like the Northern Super League or on the international stage. With increased entry and access to education, mentorship, and competitive coaching environments, participants are gaining the foundational tools needed to pursue elite coaching roles. 

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Casey Stoney, has emphasized the importance of programs like AccelerateHER in identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders. 

“I’m here to support the players, the staff, the coaches, but also the coaching programs. Hopefully, one day, (the person) sitting here is a Canadian female coach and not me. That’s the long-term goal.” 

– Casey Stoney, Women’s National Team Head Coach 

Powered by Philanthropy 

AccelerateHER is one of the programs that receives philanthropic support through the Canada Soccer Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering our National Team systems with world-class resources, advancing the depth and excellence of coaching in Canada, and reducing costs for families in club soccer. This support allows for the delivery of dedicated programming tailored to the needs of women coaches and lays the foundation for young girls to follow in their footsteps. 

“Philanthropy allows us to turn intention into impact and open more doors for women to lead. We are grateful to our donors who are helping to shape the future of soccer in Canada by supporting the Canada Soccer Foundation and our mission to build Canada into a global football contender where every player has the chance to achieve their dreams, every coach is empowered to lead, and every fan is inspired by our national teams’ success.” 

– Samantha Rogers, Vice President of Philanthropy at Canada Soccer 

A Growing Movement 

With growing interest, the AccelerateHER program is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Canada Soccer’s commitment to coach development and gender equity. 

Participants leave with more than just a certificate; they leave with a network, a renewed sense of purpose, and the knowledge that they are not alone on their path. 

Building on the success of its inaugural year, Canada Soccer announced in March the launch of the second year of its AccelerateHER program, which supports 36 women coaches in earning the Concacaf B Diploma. 

“I’m a woman, a wife, a mother of two, a full-time nurse and a coach of two youth teams, so life is just a bit busy. It made the difference to have a female mentor and financial assistance to be able to have the time and resources to complete my studies. I know I have a lot to offer as a female coach, and I’m excited to lead the younger generation through the journey of knowing it is possible, and we are capable!” 

– Tanya Laine Racher, AccelerateHER program participant