For the third season, MLSE Foundation and Scotiabank have launched the Hockey Coach Education Program to provide equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and other racialized youth across Ontario to obtain hockey coaching certifications and connect them to coaching positions in their community.

The mission is to change the game and make hockey a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible sport for players and coaches alike.

To change the face of hockey, MLSE Foundation, Scotiabank, and the Greater Toronto Hockey League are committed to providing opportunities for underrepresented youth to be involved in the game at the coaching level. The aim is to improve representation in leadership positions to inspire a diverse generation of youth to engage in hockey. The program will also provide pathways and connections for youth coaches to increase employment opportunities and facilitate community involvement through sport.

The GTHL will provide youth coaches aged 16-29 with the opportunity to obtain Coach Level 1 certification at no cost to the participant.

MLSE Foundation works closely with the GTHL to establish pathways for youth coaches involved in the program to put their education into practice. This pipeline will allow youth coaches to gain coaching opportunities and create valuable social networks within the game.

As experts in life skills transference, MLSE LaunchPad staff will provide additional training that will teach the fundamentals of coaching and the integration of life skills into sport programs. Youth coaches will gain valuable coaching knowledge and will establish relationships with other youth coaches involved in the program.

With the help of the GTHL, MLSE Foundation will also connect youth coaches to further education opportunities for those interested in obtaining Level 2 certification.

In addition, youth coaches will be provided with a Hockey Coaches Kit including essential supplies to assist in getting started behind the bench.

For more information, visit: mlsefoundation.org/hockey-coach-education-program.