Join Us for the Virtual Coaches Conference: Empowering Girls in Sport!
Squash Ontario is thrilled to announce our upcoming Virtual Coaches Conference, dedicated to enhancing girls' participation and retention in sport. In an effort to increase Squash Ontario’s retention of females in our sport, we have partnered with Canadian Women & Sport to deliver science-backed methodologies to retain girls. This inspiring event will bring together coaches, experts, and organizations to share insights and strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes. As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we believe that empowering girls in sport is crucial for the future of squash.
The conference features five engaging sessions, each led by top speakers in the sports industry Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:
Session 1: Consultation
In this session, you'll learn best practices for measuring retention, strategic planning, and creating actionable takeaways for your programs. Topics include organizational best practices, goal setting, and the importance of gaining feedback from participants. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to increase and maintain girls' participation and retention in your squash programming.
Session 2: Building Supportive Environments
Discover how to create safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces for female athletes. This session will explore the key elements of physical, social, and mental engagement, emphasizing safety, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. Learn how to foster a supportive environment that encourages girls to participate and thrive in sport.
Session 3: Fostering Fun
Explore ways to enhance girls' sport experiences and retention through fun and meaningful activities. This session will cover the importance of enjoyment in sport, team dynamics, emotional security, and creating a safe learning environment. Discover practical strategies to make sport enjoyable, helping athletes feel valued, included, and motivated to continue their squash journey.
Session 4: Injury Prevention
Gain insights on holistic approaches to injury prevention, focusing on the female athlete. This session will delve into mechanical, energetic, and psychological factors that contribute to injury prevention. Learn about the importance of proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and mental wellbeing in keeping athletes healthy and engaged in sport.
Session 5: Bringing It All Together: Insights from Fast and Female
Join Fast and Female, a renowned Canadian charity dedicated to empowering girls through sport, physical activity, and education, as they synthesize insights from the previous sessions. They will offer their unique perspective, expertise, and research on how to integrate strategies into a cohesive approach for increasing girls' participation and retention in squash. Fast and Female will provide a comprehensive overview, practical tools, and actionable takeaways. Squash Ontario will conclude the session by highlighting key learnings, gathering participant feedback, and discussing action steps to implement these insights in your programs.
Meet Our Key Speakers
We are honored to have an exceptional lineup of speakers for this conference, including:
Vanessa MacKinnon, Executive Director of Rugby Nova Scotia
Andrew Hayes, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Sport Nova Scotia
Heather Bruce, Grassroots Development, Swim Ontario
Niki Aron, Squash & Community Director, Urban Squash Toronto
Dr. Antonio Petrolo, DC, FRCCSS(C), Sports Specialist Chiropractor
Gabriela Estrada, Executive Director, Fast and Female
Each brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, from within the sports industry, ensuring that you will gain valuable insights and practical advice to apply in your coaching.
Commitment to DEI
At Squash Ontario, our DEI initiatives are at the forefront of our mission to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes. This conference is a key component of our efforts to support female athletes and ensure they have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in squash.
Join Us!
📅 Date: Every Wednesday in July! Starting July 3rd. (Please note, one session is on Tuesday, July 16).
🕒 Time: Lunch Sessions - Check each registration page for individual session times.
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the future of girls in squash. Please note, these sessions are open to other sports, and other individuals (players, referees, parents, administrators, etc.) Share this with anyone who may be interested.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering sporting environment. Register now and be a part of this transformative event.