Canada Soccer launches National TELUS She CAN Coach program with 20 participating Clubs

Canada Soccer, in partnership with Alberta Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia, is pleased to unveiled today list of clubs selected to participate in the initial phase of the TELUS She CAN Coach Program.   

The TELUS She CAN Coach program is a national coach recruitment, development, and training initiative designed specifically for women, to address the challenges they face regarding soccer participation in Canada. The program aims to support new and entry-level women coaches, with the desired outcome of increasing the registration of women and girls in soccer while balancing the gender gap in participation nationwide.

“We’re excited to have received a diverse range of applications from clubs looking to create intentional programming aimed at increasing the number of women and girls in sport,” said Sara McConaghy, Manager, Development Programming. “It’s clear that there is a significant interest in prioritizing growth in this space, regardless of an organization’s geography or size.”

Canada Soccer is partnering with Alberta Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia for the initial phase of the TELUS She CAN Coach. During the first phase, Clubs from these two provinces were eligible to complete the application process. The selected clubs from both provinces have demonstrated the ability to participate in the program, have a leader who prioritizes the inclusion of women and girls, have a committed staff member who will oversee the program’s operations, and hold a Canada Soccer Club License.

Canada Soccer has selected the following [12] Clubs from Alberta and [eight] Clubs from Nova Scotia for the first phase of TELUS She CAN Coach: 

Alberta: 

Eastside Memorial FC
Medicine Hat Soccer Association
Calgary Foothills FC 
BTB Soccer Club
Calgary Rangers Soccer Club
Mill Woods Soccer Association (Selects FC)
McKenzie United Soccer Club
Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club
Calgary Rockies FC
Spruce Grove Soccer 
New Frontier Soccer Club
Calgary Villains FC

Nova Scotia: 

Ignite Soccer
Halifax City Soccer Club
Soccer Cape Breton (Cape Breton FC)
Storm Soccer Club
United DFC
Fundy Youth Soccer Club
Suburban FC
Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club

“The future of soccer in Canada is brighter with the support and empowerment of our female leaders both on and off the field,” said Alison Meaney, General Manager, McKenzie United Soccer Club. “As long-standing allies and advocates for girls and women in soccer, McKenzie United SC is thrilled to be selected to participate in the inaugural TELUS, She CAN Coach program.”

“In the next phase, we will begin the recruitment process for new coaches, and we are confident that it will bring an exceptional group of women into coaching,” added McConaghy.

The dates below reflect the overall program timeline and status:

June – July, 2023: Club Application Window (Closed) 

August, 2023: Club Selection (Closed) 

September, 2023: Club Onboarding 

October – December, 2023: Coach Recruitment  

January, 2024: Program Launch 

January – May, 2024: Coach Certification & Coach Huddles  

June – August, 2024: Practical Coach Experience  

September, 2024: Close Evaluation 

Canada Soccer would like to thank all the clubs that have submitted applications for the TELUS She CAN Coach. Additional information regarding the next phases of TELUS She CAN Coach will be released in the near future.