Newcomer Coaching Mentorship Project (NCMP) is a collaborative initiative between the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), which aims to support newcomers to Canada trying to integrate into the Canadian sports system through the mentorship project.
The NCMP was piloted over six months, from February to July 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta. The project was based on CAC’s Mentorship model, which allowed newcomers to Canada to pair with experienced coaches in their sports. Established Canadian coaches guided mentees through achieving their coaching certifications and acclimating to the Canadian sports environment, culture, legislation, and norms. Six newcomers to Canada enrolled in the project, and four graduated. NCMP details how comprehensive research on barriers and facilitators for newcomer coaches is to be included in the Canadian sports system.
The outcomes of the NCMP were that the mentorship program considerably enhanced the participants’ comprehension of the Canadian sports scene, refined their coaching skills, and boosted their self-assurance in pursuing coaching roles. The implications of these discoveries are significant as they emphasize the importance of tailored mentorship programs in addressing the unique challenges newcomer coaches face. The report concludes with recommendations for scaling the program and implementing similar initiatives nationwide to promote diversity and inclusion in sports coaching.