Prince Edward Island’s new vip coaching program encourages coaches to become trained and certified to help improve sport safety and enhance the experience for Island athletes.
The program recognizes the contributions of qualified coaches across the province by creating a coaching community, providing professional development opportunities and offering discounts for sporting equipment.
“We know that coaching is one of the key pillars to a successfully developed sport system. When coaches receive the proper training and have more chances to excel in ethical leadership, it has a meaningful impact on our athletes. This program will help us develop responsible coaches, inspire future leaders, and celebrate the contributions they make both on and off the field.”
– PEI Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson
Sport PEI manages the program with funding from the Province. Sport PEI supports the development, training and education of athletic coaches to ensure Island athletes are guided by trained and certified coaches.
“This wonderful program gives coaches an opportunity to work with other like-minded individuals who are leading the way and creating a positive impact on the lives of everyone in the provincial and community sport sector,” said Lynn Boudreau, vip coordinator, Sport PEI. “One of the biggest challenges for coaches is to find new opportunities to learn, grow and develop together with our athletes. This program will help encourage growth and development in sport settings.”
“The vip program is an important initiative that not only benefits our Island coaches, but also the athletes themselves,” said Kristin Noonan, member of the Coaching PEI Advisory Committee. “This program ensures PEI coaches have the education, training and screening in place to create a safe and supportive environment for our athletes.”
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE A VIP?
To be part of the vip program, coaches must meet specific criteria:
- NCCP Trained or Certified coach in the sport indicated within the application
- Complete CAC Safe Sport Training
- Complete CAC Mental Health in Sport
- Complete NCCP Make Ethical Decisions either in class or online evaluation*
- Complete NCCP Making Head Way
- Submit a Criminal Record Check or Vulnerable Sector Check that has been completed in the last 12 months
- Coaches under the age of 18 should contact Lynn at lboudreau@sportpei.pe.ca for more details
- Must be a coach from PEI or currently coaching on PEI
*The vip program will cover the cost of NCCP MED in class only
WHY BE A VIP COACH?
Upon meeting the criteria, a coach will be rewarded with the following:
- Clothing Kit (worth over $100)
- Connections with a variety of coaches across Prince Edward Island
- Professional Development opportunities and resources for free
- Discount for the Atlantic Coaches Conference
- Bi-monthly newsletter and social gathering either online or in person
- 15% off discount card for Source for Sports – Charlottetown & Summerside