2024 Coach Education Grant Recipients

MONTREAL, QC (April 18, 2024) — In collaboration with the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Game Plan is proud to announce its largest cohort supporting 25 Team Canada athletes as they take the next steps in advancing their coaching careers through the Coaching Education Program. Since 2018, Game Plan’s Coaching Education Program has experienced exponential growth, with over 114 participants advancing their coaching careers. Among these participants are over 80 female athletes who benefit from CAC's Women in Coaching program, which highlights the importance of female mentorship in recruitment and retention within Canada's sports system.

The Coach Education Program was developed by the CAC and Game Plan and aims to empower Canada's national team athletes by helping them stay connected to their National Sport Organization (NSO) and sports community. Recipients will each receive funding of up to $500 to help cover the costs of training to become a coach in either the Competition-Introduction, Competition-Development stream or of the Advanced Coaching Diploma. This program enables athletes to gain formal education to complement their practical experiences, making it an essential component of their transition journey beyond competitive sports. 

This marks the 9th iteration of the program, and these 25 athletes bring a wealth of knowledge in their respective sports.  Their contributions are expected to positively influence both the Canadian sport system and the next generation of Team Canada athletes.

2024 Coaching Education Grant Recipients:

Competition-Introduction

  • Adrien van Dyke, Waterpolo  

  • Elisa Bolinger, Rowing 

  • Kate Campbell, Karate

 Competition-Development

  • Amiel Flett Brown, Cycling-Track

  • Brock Webster, Rugby

  • Bryan Fraser, Volleyball 

  • Caileigh Filmer Rowing    

  • Christian Gow, Biathlon  

  • Clancy Grandy, Curling 

  • Daniel Gaysinsky, Karate

  • Gordon Geringas, Fencing  

  • Ivy Liao, Table Tennis 

  • Ivan Reka, Beach Volleyball

  • Jake Thiel, Rugby 

  • Justin Konik, Swimming

  • Katie Clark, Rowing

  • Laura Condotta, Volleyball

  • Liam Smedley, Canoe/Kayak

  • Patrice Dagenais, Wheelchair Rugby

  • Sascha Pedenko, Freestyle Ski- Halfpipe        

  • Steph Currie, Alpine Ski    

  • Troy Wilson, Skeleton

  • Valerie Maltais, Speed Skating           

Advanced Coaching Diploma                        

  • Antoine Bouchard, Judo         

  • Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier, Cross-Country Ski

About Game Plan

Game Plan is a world-leading program which supports the well-being and performance of thousands of eligible athletes along each stage of their Olympic and Paralympic journey. Athletes receive one-on-one support from expert Advisors in communities across Canada. This support helps them develop personalized strategies for their individual futures on and off the field of play, resulting in happier and healthier athletes who perform better in sport and life.Game Plan is a collaboration between the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).

About Coaching Association of Canada

The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches.