National Coach Mentorship Program
"Coaches Helping Coaches"
The National Coach Mentorship Program (NCMP) was created by Hockey Canada in response to recommendations made at the Molson Open Ice Summit held in 1999 in Toronto. The NCMP is a determined effort to improve our national game at all levels. It was felt that there was a need to support coaches across Canada and to provide a program that would assist them in making the game both educational and enjoyable for our young players.
How does the N.C.M.P. work in Manitoba?
Hockey Manitoba Mentors are available to help coaches at all levels of the game. Any person wanting advice or new ideas can contact their Hockey Manitoba or a Mentor directly to request information. Each Mentor coach has a kit, which includes a variety of videos, books, drill manuals, etc., that are excellent tools to elevate a coach's knowledge of both the technical and tactical components of the game. As well, suggestions can be made to help with the "art" of coaching in the fields of teaching, organizing and communicating.
Coaches who request guidance will determine what aspect of their coaching that they would like to improve and the mentor will facilitate a program to aid them. The concept is simple, it is "coaches helping coaches" where a mentor with experience and expertise can guide and encourage a less experienced coach. The N.C.M.P. is a cost-free support system that acts as a helping hand to those who want it.
Mentoring can take many shapes and forms. Our Mentors work on an individual one-on-one basis, we have also mentored minor hockey associations and teams. Hockey Manitoba has also created Specialty Clinics in response to requests from coaches. Our mandate is to respond to the needs of the grassroots coaches and try to provide meaningful and practical suggestions for them.
If you need further information or you are interested in becoming involved in the mentorship program, please contact Hockey Manitoba at 925-5755. It's quite simple; helping one coach benefits an entire team of players!
For more information on the National Coach Mentorship Program, please e-mail one of the above mentors or contact Bernie Reichardt at 925-5759.
For further information on starting a Breakfast Club in your community please email Bob Caldwell:
