Celebrating the Coaches Who Make a Difference
September 14-20, 2026
National Coaches Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the incredible coaches who dedicate their time, knowledge, and passion to helping athletes grow, both in sport and in life. Coaches play an essential role in building confidence, teaching life skills, creating safe and inclusive environments, and strengthening communities.
Whether you are an athlete, parent, volunteer, official, or sport organization, National Coaches Week is an opportunity to say #ThanksCoach and recognize the positive impact coaches have every day.
Celebrate Your Coaches – There are many ways to recognize the coaches in your community during National Coaches Week.
Athletes
- Share a thank you message, photo, or video featuring your coach.
- Tell your coach what they have meant to you.
- Write a thank you card or create a small gift.
- Share your favourite lesson or quote using #ThanksCoach.
Parents
- Share a personal story about your child’s coach.
- Encourage your child to write a thank you note.
- Organize a team appreciation card or small gift.
- Attend or help organize a coach recognition event.
Sport Organizations
- Highlight a different coach each day on social media.
- Share athlete testimonials and coach spotlights.
- Recognize coaches at practices, games, or events.
- Promote coach education opportunities available during the week.
- Encourage your members to nominate a coach for recognition.
Every thank you, no matter how big or small, helps celebrate the coaches who make sport possible.
Free NCCP eLearning During National Coaches Week Coaches can take advantage of free National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) eLearning modules throughout the week.
September 14 – NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-coach-initiation-sport
September 15 – NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-creating-positive-sport-environment
September 16 – NCCP Sport Nutrition
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-sport-nutrition
September 17 – NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-coaching-athletes-disability
These professional development opportunities help coaches continue building their knowledge while creating positive sport experiences for athletes.
Recognize a Coach
Help celebrate outstanding coaches in your community by submitting a coach profile or recognition through your Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization, club, or community organization.
Share your appreciation all week long using: #ThanksCoach #CoachesWeek
Organizations are encouraged to showcase coach stories, athlete testimonials, photos, and videos throughout the week to recognize the dedicated volunteers and professionals who make sport possible.
Participation Guide
The Coaching Association of Canada has created a comprehensive National Coaches Week Participation Guide filled with ideas, promotional resources, social media graphics, and celebration activities for athletes, parents, schools, clubs, and sport organizations.
Visit the Participation Guide to learn more and download free resources: https://coach.ca/programs-and-initiatives/events-and-awards/national-coaches-week/participation-guide
Thank you to every coach across Canada who gives their time, energy, and passion to helping athletes succeed. Your commitment helps create stronger athletes, stronger communities, and a stronger sport system. Happy National Coaches Week! #ThanksCoach | #CoachesWeek