Sport Workshops & Education Sessions
The Town of Aurora hosts a variety of courses and workshops to support the growth and development of both sport organizations and their members.
» Please check back regularly for more courses and workshops!
National Coaches Certification Program (N.C.C.P.)
N.C.C.P. Fundamental Movement Skills (F.M.S.)
Date - Thursday, December 5
Time - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (30 minute lunch)
Location - Aurora Town Square (Nicols Foundation Program Room)
Program - Free to attend. Registration will open on Tuesday, October 15.
Participants - Ages 15+ years old for this certification course.
Register Online - Fundamental Movement Skills
This program is hosted by the Town of Aurora.
Overview |
Coaches Association of Ontario (C.A.O.) and the Town of Aurora have entered into an agreement to host in-person National Coaching Certification Program (N.C.C.P.) courses at Aurora Town Square. The National Coaches Certification Program (N.C.C.P.) is the cornerstone of coach education in Canada. Coaches of all 65 federally recognized sports receive their training and certification through the N.C.C.P. The N.C.C.P. is for coaches at every context and for those coaching every age of athlete. N.C.C.P. workshops are designed for all types of coaches. Whether you’re thinking about coaching your child’s community team or you’re already the head coach of a national team, the N.C.C.P. has workshops to meet your needs. |
Target Audience |
This session is appropriate for anyone aged 15+ involved in sport. Athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and parents are encouraged to attend. |
Key Insights |
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Coaching Girls in Sport
Join us for a 2-part Lunch & Learn workshop called "Coaching Girls in Sport".
Each workshop is 60 minutes, and focuses on the needs of girls in sport, how to create a safe space, best practices in adapting practices and training sessions to meet the needs of girls. Both sessions are led by national expert, Jane King. Jane is a former teacher and has worked with Canadian Women in Sport on gender equity initiatives and is an N.C.C.P. and High Five trainer. She is a leader in this space, and we excited to provide this virtual platform to learn from her.
Workshop 1: Building a Positive Climate for Coaching Female Athletes
Date - Monday, December 2
Time - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Workshop 2: Coaching the Female Athlete for Long Term Athlete Development
Date - Wednesday, December 11
Time - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Important Details
- Workshops are free to attend.
- Registration is required.
- Recommended to attend both sessions, but not mandatory.
- Appropriate for anyone 15+ years old involved in coaching.
Workshops Information |
Workshop 1: Building a Positive Climate for Coaching Female Athletes The core of this material is geared to provide Sport and Recreation Leaders strategies to develop and deliver programming that supports the needs of girls. The differences between coaching girls and boys are identified, and then practical strategies that can be implemented into their coaching practices are explained throughout the presentation. Key Learning Outcomes
Workshop 2: Coaching the Female Athlete for Long Term Athlete Development The key fundamentals for coaching girls are once again outlined. The second part of the presentation is more detailed where the growth and development of female athletes is outlined. Canadian Sport for Life and Long Term Athlete development principles are incorporated into the presentation to help coaches understand the dangers of over-training, early specialization and the risks of injury in female athletes. Key Learning Outcomes
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Why Should I Attend |
1. Understanding Gender-Specific Needs Physiological and Psychological Differences: Girls and boys often have different needs and respond differently to coaching due to biological, developmental, and psychological factors. Understanding these differences can help coaches create more effective, customized training plans. Building Confidence: Female athletes may face unique social pressures and barriers in sports. Coaches who understand these challenges can create supportive environments that empower girls, helping them build confidence and stay engaged. 2. Preventing Dropout in Female Athletes High Dropout Rates: Many girls quit sports during adolescence due to lack of enjoyment, poor coaching experiences, or feeling unsupported. These workshops help coaches understand why this happens and how to combat it by fostering a more positive and inclusive sports environment. Retention Strategies: By learning engagement techniques, coaches can increase the chances of girls continuing in sports, which is critical for their physical, emotional, and social development. 3. Promoting Long-Term Athlete Development (L.T.A.D.) Balanced Development: Workshop 2 emphasizes long-term planning to ensure that athletes progress safely and sustainably without over-training or specializing too early, which can lead to burnout or injury. Physical Literacy: Coaches learn how to promote physical literacy, ensuring athletes develop essential movement skills, which are crucial for long-term success and well-being, regardless of whether they continue in sports competitively. 4. Creating Inclusive, Supportive Spaces Positive Coaching Culture: Coaches can play a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s experience. Learning how to build a positive coaching climate helps create a space where female athletes feel valued and encouraged, fostering their passion for sports and building a lifelong connection to physical activity. Equality in Sports: These workshops promote awareness of the importance of equitable coaching for female athletes, ensuring they receive the same quality of support and development opportunities as their male counterparts. In summary, these workshops are important for anyone aiming to improve the experience of female athletes, increase retention in sports, and support their healthy, long-term development. |
Basketball Coaching Pathways in Aurora
The Town of Aurora, in collaboration with Ontario Basketball Association (O.B.A.) and York North Basketball Association (Y.N.B.A.), is excited to offer workshops and certifications aimed at developing future basketball coaches. As part of the Town’s Sport Plan, Aurora is committed to supporting coaches in obtaining the necessary certifications to pursue their passion on the court.
Recently, the O.B.A. mandated that all coaches must have specific certifications to be on the sidelines. While this is a positive step to prioritize Safe Sport and ensure high-quality programs, this direction simultaneously presents challenges for various demographics looking to get involved in coaching. To address this, the Town, O.B.A. and Y.N.B.A. have partnered to offer Learn to Train (Level 1) and Train to Train (Level 2) certifications in Aurora.
Please check back here for additional courses that are being offered in Aurora.
Female-Only Coach Certificate
The Female-Only Coach Certification Pathway is designed for female-identifying coaches (15+ years old) who are interested in receiving Level 1.
By creating a space exclusively for women, we aim to build confidence, safety, and opportunity for female identifying coaches in basketball. Research shows that girls and women thrive in intentional spaces that allow them to grow and learn, and the Town of Aurora, O.B.A. and Y.N.B.A. are proud to support this initiative.
Certification: Level 1 (Learn to Train)
Date - Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8
Time - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (A.F.L.C.)
Cost - $350
Reimbursement - All participants are eligible to apply for Quest for Gold (via Coaches Association of Ontario) funding for 60% reimbursement. Participants will receive information on application.
Y.N.B.A. Reimbursement - All female participants affiliated with Y.N.B.A. are eligible to apply for additional reimbursement. Participants will receive information on application.
Eligibility
- Must be 15+ years old and female-identifying.
- Preference will be given to Aurora residents and those affiliated with Y.N.B.A.
- Must attend both days of in-person certification.
- Payment received upon registration.
Register Online - Female-Only Coach Certificate
Community Coach Certificate
The Community Coach Certification Pathway is open to any coach aged 15+ years old interested in obtaining Level 1 certification.
Certification: Level 1 (Learn to Train)
Date - Saturday, March 22 & Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (A.F.L.C.)
Cost - $350
Reimbursement - All participants are eligible to apply for Quest for Gold (via Coaches Association of Ontario) funding for 60% reimbursement. Participants will receive information on application.
Eligibility
- Must be 15+ years old.
- Preference will be given to Aurora residents.
- Must attend both days of in-person certification.
- Payment received upon registration.
Register Online - Basketball Coaching Certificate
How Many Spots Are Available Per Certification? |
Each certification will have 24 spots available. |
Is There Reimbursement Available? |
Yes! All participants must pay in full at time of registration, and once the course is completed all participants will be able to claim up to 60% reimbursement via Quest For Gold. Information will be provided during the course. |
Who Can Attend The Female-Only Certifications? |
Participants must be female-identifying and must be 15+ years old to attend; preference will be given to Aurora residents. Note: All participants must attend both days of in-person certification. |
Who Can Attend The Community Coach Certifications? |
Participants must be 15+ years old to attend, and preference will be given to Aurora residents. Note: All participants must attend both days of in-person certification. |
What Is The ‘Girls Got Game’ Coach Certification Pathway? |
Female high school students volunteering in the 'Girls Got Game' program through Y.N.B.A. can follow a four-phase certification pathway. PHASE 1: Level 1 – Learn to Train Certification
PHASE 2: Volunteer in Girls Got Game (G.G.G.) Winter Program
PHASE 3: Level 2 – Learn to Compete Certification
PHASE 4: Coaching Role in Fall/Winter
This pathway provides an incredible opportunity for young female coaches to gain experience, receive mentorship, and build a career in coaching basketball. Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure. |
Why Should Youth Take These Certifications? |
Youth should sign-up for these basketball coaching certification programs because they offer a unique opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a meaningful impact on the community. By becoming a certified coach, young people can turn their passion for basketball into a rewarding role that helps shape the next generation of athletes. Additionally, the program provides mentorship, career development, and the chance to be part of an inclusive and supportive network, empowering youth to build confidence, enhance their resume, and contribute to the sport they love. |
How Does This Align With The Sport Plan? |
This initiative aligns with the Town of Aurora's Sport Plan by promoting the development of local talent, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring high-quality sports programming. The Sport Plan emphasizes building a safe and supportive environment for athletes and coaches, and these certification programs follow that direction by prioritizing Safe Sport principles and accessible pathways for diverse groups. By offering basketball coaching certifications and targeting underrepresented groups, such as young female coaches, the Town is actively working toward its goal of increasing participation, enhancing skill development, and creating a sustainable sports community. |
Why Is The Town A Leader In Sport? |
By leading these initiatives, the Town can ensure that local residents have access to quality training, helping to build a robust network of qualified coaches who will, in turn, strengthen the local sports programs. Moreover, by addressing barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented groups like young female coaches, the Town demonstrates a commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and empowerment in sports. Taking this leadership role also enhances the Town’s reputation as a forward-thinking community invested in the well-being and development of its youth, creating long-term benefits for both individuals and the broader community. |
What Is ‘Girls Got Game’? |
Skill Development Empowerment Through Sport! This program is focused on introducing girls to the game of basketball while building self-confidence through sport. The emphasis will be on developing fundamental movement and basketball skills in a fun, interactive environment. The participants will learn these skills through the use of a variety of activities and games. The program will also have older female athletes as coaches. Providing positive role modelling for the younger participants. This is for GIRLS ONLY and no experience is necessary. We are proud to play like girls! This program is facilitated by Jackie Zicaro, who has a background in Health and Physical Education and coaches at Sir William Mulock S.S. She is a coach with Y.N.B.A., and a Coach Developer for Basketball Canada’s Coaching Certification Program. |
Why Girls Only Spaces? |
Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure. Here's why they matter. 1. Empowerment and Confidence Building In many societies, girls are often socialized to be less assertive or take up less space. Girls-only environments can help counteract this by providing a setting where they can express themselves freely, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence without the fear of judgement or competition with boys. These spaces encourage girls to take risks, speak up, and be themselves in ways they might not in co-ed spaces. 2. Safety and Comfort Girls-only spaces provide a safe and supportive environment, free from potential harassment or discrimination. This is especially important in communities or contexts where girls may face gender-based violence or social pressures. In such spaces, girls can engage openly, share personal experiences, and support each other without feeling vulnerable or unsafe. 3. Fostering Gender Identity and Solidarity Girls-only spaces allow young women to explore their identities, share common experiences, and build camaraderie. They can discuss topics like body image, menstruation, or societal expectations without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, which helps to foster a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding. 4. Encouraging Participation in Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields In certain areas, such as S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) or sports, girls often feel marginalized. Girls-only programs and spaces can encourage greater participation by removing societal pressures, fostering interest, and providing role models. For instance, girls are more likely to pursue S.T.E.M. activities when in a space free from the biases or competitiveness often present in co-ed environments. 5. Addressing Specific Needs Girls often have different developmental, psychological, and social needs compared to boys, particularly during adolescence. Girls-only spaces can be tailored to these needs, addressing topics like reproductive health, body image, mental health, and self-esteem in a way that resonates with girls and young women. 6. Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations These spaces challenge traditional gender norms by giving girls the opportunity to lead, explore interests, and pursue ambitions that may not be fully encouraged in mixed-gender settings. By offering a space free from typical societal expectations, girls can break stereotypes and build new paths for themselves. 7. Support During Transitional Phases As girls transition through different life stages, like puberty or entering higher education, girls-only spaces can provide essential emotional and psychological support. Whether through mentorship, peer support, or education, these environments help girls navigate complex changes in a positive and affirming way. |
Contact
Sport & Community Development Specialist
365-500-3157