The Government of Yukon is supporting the continued development of the territory’s coaches by covering registration fees for online courses offered by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

The NCCP offers standardized, inclusive, and sport safety education to coaches and coach developers. The program covers 65 sports.

Between now and the end of 2020, Yukon coaches who take NCCP multi-sport introduction or development courses online can have their registration fees reimbursed.

“It’s a big deal and we want coaches taking advantage of all the online courses,” said Trevor Twardochleb, of the Sport and Recreation branch. “This is a great opportunity for coaches to go online and do any number of modules.”

Twardochleb said during non-COVID times, the Sport and Recreation branch would bring Outside instructors to the territory to teach NCCP courses. Because the branch is saving money this way, it was decided that the costs of online courses would be covered.

“It is a win-win,” said Twardochleb. “We will be accepting receipts from April 1 to Dec. 30 of 2020. If we have more money in the budget after that we can extend the support. It’s a great opportunity and we are hoping to attract new leaders, not just in sports.”

By removing barriers to accessing the NCCP courses will support Yukon coaches in taking workshops from different instructors or leaders across the country.

Courses the Sport and Recreation branch are focusing on are, Competition Introductions Multi-Sport Modules. This includes practice planning, nutrition, mental skills, design, and basic sport program and teaching and learning.

The other focus is on Competition Development Multi-Sport Modules. That includes psychology and performance, leading drug-free sport, prevention and recovery, coaching and leading effectively, managing conflict, developing athletic abilities, performance planning, and advanced practice planning.

These courses cover topics related to all sports and include such topics as coaching in secondary schools, designing a basic sport program, and making ethical decisions.

Twardochleb said coaches will have to pay for the courses upfront but will be reimbursed once the module is complete.

They can register for the courses through the NCCP.

“We want to make sure people follow through,” he said.

The program will only cover courses that are not covered by the sport governing bodies.

Minister of Community Services, John Streicker said in a release that coaches contribute to a vibrant community.

“From a new skater’s first steps onto the ice, to a gymnast safely sticking their first round-off, to a high-performance skier standing atop the podium, Yukon coaches play a critical role in the development of our territorial athletes,” said Streicker.”

“Coaches help build community, teach confidence, and respectful behaviours. Coaches promote fair play, diversity, inclusion, and the value of staying active for life. Our government is pleased to support Yukon coaches to develop their skills so they can keep contributing to our vibrant sporting community.”

Board Member for Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle & Sport Yukon, Dan Poelman said this is a great opportunity to increase the number of coaches.

“This is a terrific initiative to hopefully increase the numbers of coaches and the knowledge base of our coaches in Yukon,” he said. “This provides for a greater variety of courses to choose from and the online platform allows for all the participants to make connections with a number of different coaches from all across Canada in a variety of different sports.”