Sport Workshops & Education Sessions

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

• identify the fundamentals to positive coaching for female athletes 
• recognize the reasons why girls quit sport 
• strategies to incorporate into coaching practices that promote more athlete engagement

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

• Key strategies for coaching female athletes
• The importance of Physical Literacy
• Provide an overview of the Canadian Sport for Life principles

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.

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

• Attend the December 2024 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 2, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 1 course fees.

PHASE 2: Volunteer in Girls Got Game (G.G.G.) Winter Program

• Receive mentorship during the program to complete the evaluation for Level 1 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed Phase 1.

PHASE 3: Level 2 – Learn to Compete Certification

• Attend the May 2025 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 4, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 2 course fees.

PHASE 4: Coaching Role in Fall/Winter

• Stream to apply for a coaching role with Y.N.B.A. house league starting Fall 2025.
• Mentorship to complete the evaluation for Level 2 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed the first three phases.

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.

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.

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.

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.