In an exciting initiative by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), fifteen sport organizations from across the country have been selected to participate in the Women and Gender Equality Canada Project. We are honored to be part of this inspiring program, which aims to empower coaches and athletes alike. As we delve into this initiative, we spoke with our mentors and mentees, this time with Maxime Surprenant, a seasoned coach from Quebec.
Maxime shares his thoughts on the importance of mentorship, his expectations for the upcoming launch in Ottawa, and the impact of having mentors in his own coaching journey.
You have a remarkable experience as a coach, why did you accept the role of mentor?
– I believe that as a coach a large part of our role is to help athletes achieve their goals and face the obstacles that will be in their path, the same principle applies to coaches who will also have challenges to overcome. In my opinion, it is essential that coaches develop as much as athletes and mentoring is a very good way to achieve this. I accepted the role of mentor because it will allow me to share my experience and question some of my practices in order to become a better coach.
During the 2 days in Ottawa, the project will be launched, what are your expectations?
– I am looking forward to discussing different training approaches and preparation methods with other mentors and mentees to broaden my horizons. I am sure that we will have very interesting exchanges.
The mentoring program is overseen by the CAC, how do you see this contribution?
– I think it makes it very credible, ACE is an organization that has been helping coaches develop for many years and has acquired expertise in organizing events like this.
Did you have a mentor when you started your career? If so, how did it help you and if not, what would you have appreciated?
– Yes, I was lucky enough to have several mentors, the main one was Marles Martins. He helped me organize myself and develop my own coaching style and philosophy according to my values. He was available to answer my questions and concerns. In fact, it is still the case today, I know that I can ask him questions and that he will be available to guide me.
If you had a magic wand, what would you do to facilitate the path of young coaches or to improve the table tennis scene in Canada?
– I would like us to meet more often after the competitions to have concrete discussions on what we have observed and to share our ideas on the points to work on and improve. This is often work that is done on each of our own, I think it could be beneficial to bring everyone together by including the youngest as well.
As we embark on this transformative journey, Maxime’s insights remind us of the vital role mentorship plays in shaping the future of coaching in Canada. His commitment to fostering growth and collaboration among coaches is a testament to the positive changes this program aims to achieve.
