New Club+ resources added to support coaching
Coaches are the heartbeat of every soccer club. They shape the experience for players and families, create a sense of belonging, and play a critical role in keeping participants engaged season after season. With FIFA World Cup 26™ expected to spark unprecedented interest in the game across Canada, community clubs will need more coaches than ever before to meet the growing demand.
To support clubs in preparing for this moment, Canada Soccer has launched a new Recruiting Coaches section on Club+, designed to make coach recruitment more approachable, sustainable, and effective for organizations of all sizes.
Across the country, clubs are navigating an evolving volunteer landscape as the demand for coaches continues to rise. Many organizations are seeking to start recruitment earlier, broaden who sees themselves as “coach-ready,” and create clearer, more supportive volunteer roles. With participation expected to surge in the lead-up to 2026, clubs have a significant opportunity to strengthen their culture, improve retention, and welcome a new generation of confident, supported coaches into the game.
The new Recruiting Coaches resources focus on practical, beginner-friendly strategies that clubs can implement immediately. They encourage clubs to reframe coaching as a positive and manageable experience, expand recruitment beyond traditional audiences, clearly define roles and expectations, and reduce barriers through simple systems and clear processes. Just as importantly, the resources emphasize supporting coaches after they say “yes,” recognizing that retention begins from the moment a volunteer commits.
To bring the guidance to life, the section includes real-world spotlights from community organizations such as North Shore Girls Soccer Club and Soccer New Brunswick. These examples showcase how clubs and associations across different regions and contexts are successfully recruiting and retaining coaches by creating welcoming environments and setting volunteers up for success.
The Recruiting Coaches section brings together a coordinated suite of guides, templates, and an instructional video to support clubs through every stage of the recruitment journey, from initialoutreach and role clarity to onboarding, training pathways, and long-term retention. The resources also align with broader Canada Soccer priorities, including gender equity and accessible coach education.
“Community coaches are the foundation of soccer in Canada. As we look ahead to 2026, it’s essential that clubs feel equipped to recruit, support, and retain coaches in ways that are realistic, inclusive, and welcoming. The Recruiting Coaches resources on Club+ are designed to meet clubs where they are — offering practical tools that help more people see themselves as coaches and feel confident saying yes.” – Dave Nutt, Director of Development at Canada Soccer
As Canada prepares to host FIFA World Cup 26™, clubs that invest early in creating positive, welcoming coaching experiences will be best positioned to grow; not only in participation, but in community strength, connection, and long-term sustainability.
Together, we grow.
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