National Coaches Week 2026

by Trevor Buhnai | September 10, 2026 10:58 am

Hockey Manitoba is proud to celebrate the 12th Annual National Coaches Week from September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026, presented by the Coaching Association of Canada and Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives.

Beginning Monday, September 14, Hockey Manitoba will run a week-long campaign across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn encouraging players and parents to recognise the coaches who have had a positive impact on them. Post a message, photo or video using #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek, and tag @HockeyManitoba.

New content is added to this page every day of the week.

Send Us Your #ThanksCoach Video

On Saturday, September 19, we are releasing a video of Manitoba’s hockey community thanking their coaches. We want your team in it.

Record at home, at the rink before practice, or with your teammates. It takes under a minute.

Record in portrait mode
Hit record, wait three seconds, then say “Thanks Coach” with enthusiasm
Optional: add a sentence or two on why you want to thank your coach
Upload your video here

Submissions close Wednesday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m.

Week’s Features

Monday, September 14 – Kick-Off

National Coaches Week runs all week, with a different focus each day. Here is what is coming up, and how you can take part.

Still to Come

Tuesday, September 15 – Coach Stories: Volunteer (Coach) Award winners announced
Wednesday, September 16 – Why Coaches Matter: Q&A with Bob Caldwell
Thursday, September 17 – Lessons Beyond Sport: Program of Excellence members sharing stories of the coaches who shaped them
Friday, September 18 – The Future of Coaching: coaching pathways, recruitment and mentorship
Saturday, September 19 – Thank Your Coach Today: our #ThanksCoach video, featuring Manitoba teams
Sunday, September 20 – Wrap-Up: thank you message from CEO Trevor Buhnai

Free CAC eLearning Modules

The CAC is offering free NCCP eLearning modules through the Locker. Each promo code is only valid on the specified date. Once the date has passed you will not be able to claim the eLearning.

Sept. 14, 2026 – NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport – Promo Code: CI-58166-NCW
Sept. 15, 2026 – NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment – Promo Code: CPSE-45439-NCW
Sept. 16, 2026 – NCCP Sport Nutrition – Promo Code: Nutri-61827-NCW
Sept. 17, 2026 – NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability – Promo Code: COACH-4825-NCW

Free NCCP Courses from Sport Manitoba Coaching

All online and in-person courses delivered by Sport Manitoba Coaching are free to Manitoba coaches during National Coaches Week. Coaches are reimbursed the course fee on completion. Spots are limited. Questions to coaching@sportmanitoba.ca.

Sept. 15, 2026 – NCCP Manage a Sport Program
Sept. 16 and 17, 2026 – NCCP Coaching and Leading Effectively
Sept. 18, 2026 – NCCP Mentorship
Sept. 19 and 20, 2026 – NCCP Prevention & Recovery

Professional Development Sessions

Sept. 14, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. – Between Fine and Not Fine: Coaching Before the Crisis. Recognising early signs that an athlete is struggling. Online via Microsoft Teams. RSVP
Sept. 15, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Communicating Effectively, with guest speaker Nathalie Kleinschmit. Online via Microsoft Teams. RSVP
Sept. 16, 6:00 p.m. – Sidelined: The Colour of the Game. Documentary screening with Anti-Racism in Sport, food provided. 145 Pacific Ave., Conference Room A. RSVP
Sept. 17, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Creating Safer Spaces in Sport for Non-binary Athletes, with guest speaker Heidi Paetkau. 145 Pacific Ave., Theatre. RSVP
Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Give & Go Sports Documentary on the risks of early sport specialisation. 35 minutes, playing on the hour. 145 Pacific Ave., Theatre.

#ThanksCoach Gratitude Wall

Stop by the Sport Manitoba courts on L2 at 145 Pacific Avenue any time this week and write down why you appreciate a current or past coach.

Full details on the Sport Manitoba National Coaches Week page.

Win With Your Coach

The CAC is running a national contest through the week. Post a photo or video celebrating a coach on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X, say why you are saying #ThanksCoach, include #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek, and tag the Coaching Association of Canada. Two entrants will be drawn to receive a $100 digital gift card, plus a $150 digital gift card for the coach they celebrated. Entries close September 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET and posts must be public to be verified.

Share Your Story

The CAC is also collecting stories nationally.

Coaches: share your coaching story on video
Athletes and parents: record a #ThanksCoach message

Thinking About Coaching?

About National Coaches Week

National Coaches Week celebrates the positive impact coaches have on athletes, participants, and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by saying #ThanksCoach.

With activities held across the country to celebrate coaching, National Coaches Week provides coaches with the recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active, healthy lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.coach.ca/nationalcoachesweek.