RCA “Made in Canada” Coach Development Program

Developing Canadian Coaches for the Rowing Canada Aviron High Performance Coaching Team  

Overview 

To ensure sustainable success on the world stage, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) needs a flourishing pipeline of developing Canadian coaches who want to coach crews that will excel and win medals for Canada.

We are excited to continue the Made in Canada program for aspiring coaches who envision themselves developing Olympic and Paralympic athletes as part of the RCA High Performance program.  

“The Made in Canada program has allowed coaches and mentors to share and learn in so many different areas of coaching,” shares Made in Canada Coach Program Mentor, Mike Purcer. “I have found the coaches to be very insightful, and some of the most useful learning has come from the mentor’s questions, which provoke the coach’s thinking to a deeper understanding of the topic. A deeper understanding gives the coaches confidence when presenting to athletes and the ability to answer questions.”

As we move forward, our aim is to develop coaches who are both technically savvy and relationally strong. We will build on their solid foundation of results and relationships and seek to create learning experiences and a development plan that will deepen their technical skills and knowledge. Additionally, the program works to expand their exposure to the sport – nationally and internationally – as well as work to provide them with critical experiences on and off the water. 

Colleen Miller, RCA Manager of Coach Education and Development, believes the program is already making an impact and sees a strong future ahead. “Over the past 18 months, our first group of Made in Canada coaches have accomplished numerous goals through their Individual Development Plans and the invaluable support of experienced Canadian coaches within our structured Mentorship Program,” shares Miller. “We plan to build on this foundation, enabling the program to empower even more coaches committed to leading Canadian athletes to success.” 

RCA seeks coaches who believe that developing the whole person is critical to long-term success – for themselves and the athletes. Our goal is to support them in their ability to lead, manage, support and sustain a strong, safe and healthy performance training program. 

Coaches who meet the criteria and express interest to be an RCA High Performance (HP) Coach, will be supported and prioritized for development and special opportunities that help them to achieve our goals of developing high performance targeted athletes and winning medals for Canada.     

To ensure the coaches engaged in this program are diverse and reflects the communities where rowing exists in Canada, extraordinary investments will be made to support individuals from under-represented populations.  

Who can apply?

• Coaches that demonstrate consistent & superior results in coaching and growing rowing in Canada
• At minimum NCCP Performance Coach Trained
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning
• Desire to be a National Team Coach
• Proven Leadership and Relational Skills

Program Benefits 

Professional development and employment opportunities may include: 

• Coach mentorship 
• National and international coaching exchanges
• Leadership development opportunities 
• RCA hosted National Training Centre (NTC) training camps
• NTC apprentice coaching opportunities
• RCA seasonal coaching and employment opportunities

Program Expectations

• Involvement in evaluation of the program delivery and achieved desired outcomes
• Collaborate with identified mentor to pursue coaching goals laid out in your individual development plan
• Participation in ongoing virtual and potential in-person development opportunities over a 1-year timeframe
• Additional expectations as agreed to with individual participants of the program

Please complete the Coaching Application HERE and email your coaching resume to Colleen Miller, RCA Manager of Coach Education and Development by November 22, 2024. 

Accepted applicants will be notified by December 6, 2024 

Please contact Colleen Miller, RCA’s Manager of Coach Development and Education, with any questions.