Applications Open for Next Play Grants
Row Ontario is proud to support the development of coaches and umpires across the province, within a lens of gender equity and inclusivity to provide inclusive and supportive environments and programs for all!
For the second year in a row, Row Ontario is a recipient of The Next Play Grant from Canadian Women & Sport, made possible by the Government of Ontario. The Next Play Grant program aims to address challenges faced by girls and gender-diverse participants in sport and recreation by empowering sport leaders from Ontario-based organizations with the tools and resources needed to design sport opportunities with girls and gender-diverse youth in mind.
The Next Play Grant will provide financial support for current and prospective Ontario-based female and gender diverse rowing coaches and umpires to access professional development and training, reducing barriers for female and gender diverse individuals to begin coaching/umpiring and/or elevate their training and education.
Current and prospective coaches/umpires are encouraged to apply for funding; however, the majority of funding is available to those who identify as female or gender diverse.
Funding is available to cover specific costs associated with coach/umpire development and gender-diversity based training and education. Eligible trainings include:
- Keeping Girls in Sport E-learning module
- Coach Initiation in Sport E-learning module
- Rowing Essentials E-learning module
- Make Ethical Decisions module
- RCA Learn to Row Coach Workshops/Evaluations run between June 1-August 31, 2024
- RCA Umpire Clinics/Exams run between June 1-August 31, 2024
The Next Play Program will also include a virtual Coaches Connect virtual speaker session on Tuesday July 16 at 7pm focused on supporting female and gender diverse participants in rowing. This session will be led Brock Badgers Head Coach Katie Bruggeling, who will facilitate a discussion surrounding supporting female and gender diverse athletes, and coaches, from a coach and mentor perspective, and address challenges and barriers faced by female and gender diverse individuals to access and participate in sport and recreation. To register, click here.
This is a great opportunity for athletes looking to get started in coaching and/or umpiring, club coaches hired through Canada Summer Jobs grants, coaches/umpires who identify as female or gender diverse, and coaches/umpires of all identities looking to increase inclusivity in their coaching practices. Access application form below.
Applications should be submitted to lily@rowontario.ca and will be accepted Wednesday June 19, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Applicants can apply to receive funding to support full or partial costs associated with completing courses on the Coaching/Umpiring Pathway. The distribution of funds is dependent on the total number of applicants.
To submit your application, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact lily@rowontario.ca
