We are thrilled to participate in the Wage Program with the Coaching Association of Canada! This initiative allows us to create a robust mentorship program, learn through a community of practice, and run our very own mentorship activities.
Our mentor-mentee pairs have already begun to connect in meaningful ways. Maria and her mentor Thierry are meeting in person, fostering a strong working relationship. Meanwhile, Rose and her mentor Maxime are collaborating effectively through virtual means, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of our program.
As we continue to develop our mentorship program, we are eager to enhance our learning experience by inviting guest speakers. We are particularly interested in bringing in experts in high performance, mental coaching, and time management for both coaches and athletes. Additionally, we would like to explore resources for implementing projects at our club and connecting with individuals who can provide guidance or answer questions related to our initiatives. Potential topics for guest speakers could include Mental Health, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), Safe Sport, and Nutrition.
One exciting suggestion is to invite Marles to discuss initiation methods for Table Tennis and the importance of Safe Sport in our coaching practices.
Rose said, so far, they have held two virtual meetings and enjoyed several engaging Waffle Wednesdays! Her biggest takeaways from her mentorship with Maxime has been the importance of setting boundaries, understanding what they are, how to establish them, and when to enforce them. This insight has significantly improved her communication with the parents of athletes, ensuring a more positive and productive environment.
The mentors have been an incredible resource, leaving no question unanswered! Through discussions, Maria for example learned about the different types of feedback—verbal, non-verbal, positive, and constructive, and how to adapt her coaching style to meet the needs of each player.
In our community of practice, we gather every month to discuss the progress of our mentor-mentee pairs, invite guest speakers, and engage in open discussions about the program. This collaborative environment is fostering growth and development for all involved, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build our mentorship program and strengthen our community of coaches!
