Year-End RCA Performance Coach Pathway Education Updates 2025

The development of high-performance coaching in Canada continues to grow through the dedication of coaches committed to advancing their skills and supporting athletes at every level.

The recent NCCP Performance Coach Workshop and the 2025 certified Performance Coaches highlight both the ongoing education and mentorship of coaches through workshops and the achievements of those who have completed their certification.

Performance Coach Workshop

From November 27 to 29, RCA held a Performance Coach Workshop at Leander Boat Club in Hamilton, Ontario. Eleven coaches, including 7 women and 4 men, attended the workshop, with participants travelling from Saskatchewan and across Ontario. Over three full days, coaches received the initial training required to progress along the Performance Coach Pathway.

Following the workshop, they will continue their development with support from NCCP Coach Developers and Mentors to further enhance their coaching knowledge and skills in other requirements of the pathway.

Dr. Volker Nolte and Michelle Darvill served as Lead Facilitators, with experienced coaches and sport science experts contributing to the delivery of additional modules. These included Steve Di Ciacca, Connor Elsdon, Katie Bruggeling, and Mary Rao. Adam Sollitt, representing the Coaching Association of Canada, also attended to present and engage with coaches throughout the sessions.

“It was also exciting to see how the coaches networked with each other, reflecting the excellent work of the Coach Developers,” shared Volker. “It was excellent teamwork that made the efforts of everyone involved worthwhile and resulted in an enthusiastic group of coaches returning to their clubs to put what they had learned into practice.”

RCA extends thanks to Leander Boat Club for providing the workshop venue and boats for practical rigging sessions, and to Jirianna Couroux, Manager of Leander Boat Club, for the excellent meals provided each day.

Performance Coach Certified 2025

RCA congratulates the coaches who have achieved their Performance Coach certification in 2025. Their dedication, passion for rowing, and commitment to advancing their knowledge and experience are invaluable to the athletes and rowing communities they support.

• David Calder, Brentwood College School Rowing
• Glen Stiven, Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club
• Marc Addison, Previously at Vancouver College

Reflecting on the certification process, Marc shared:

“The process allowed me to reconnect with old coaches and friends who then became mentors. It’s rare that as coaches we get the opportunity to delve into all aspects of our sport and speak with some of the best rowing people in our country, not only about what elite rowing looks like but also about the best way to get there.”

 “The final step of my Performance Coach Certification saw Mike Purcer evaluate me in-competition,” shared David, discussing his work with Master Coach Developer Mike. “I appreciate the thoughtful discussions Mike and I had at the appropriate moments, away from the athletes, that allowed me to consider elements of my coaching practice and find ways to improve them. While unfounded, I was worried that the process would interfere and detract from the athletes’ performance, but in the end, I walked away from the evaluation feeling connected with a Master Coach whom I can now call for advice whenever I need.”

Similar to Marc’s sentiment, Glen discussed the support provided along the way of the certification process:

“The Performance Coach Pathway has helped me improve the planning, training (on and off the water), and competition support for the Juniors that I coach at VRDBC. I appreciate the education, support and feedback I received along the way from RCA, NCCP Coach Developers, Canadian Sport Institute, along with Next Gen, Provincial, and University coaches. A special shout-out goes to the athletes and club coaches I was working with during the process for their extra time and being awesome.”

The lifelong learning, networks of coaches, and relationships with Coach Developers will hopefully propel their pathways forward.

“If any coaches are thinking about it, just start and take it one step at a time, like you tell your athletes,” shared Glen.