Ontario Trillium Grant Supports Coach Development at Leander Boat Club

The Leander Boat Club has achieved a significant milestone in coaching development, thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). This funding has been instrumental in enhancing the club’s coaching education programs, allowing it to support and develop a talented team of 24 coaches. The impact of this grant is reflected in the diversity and expertise of the club’s coaching team, which now includes 10 RCA certified coaches who have undergone comprehensive training through Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA), ensuring they bring a high level of expertise and professionalism to their roles. Additionally, one performance coach in training focused on preparing athletes for competitive rowing. Thanks to the OTF grant, four performance coaches have successfully completed their training, enhancing the club’s ability to guide athletes to higher levels of competition. Upon completion of the grant, 4 of our previously certified RCA Coaches attended the Performance Coach workshop in January 2024 in Quebec and continue to work towards being certified.

Senior Lead Coaches Andrea Jansen and Myma Okuda-Rayfuse at Royal Canadian Henley 2023

“As a coach at the Leander Boat Club, the coach development has allowed me to expand my skills and provide a more enhanced experience for our athletes. The networking and knowledge I gained from the Performance Training have been incredibly beneficial not only for the athletes but also for myself as a coach. I look forward to continuing with coach development, as it enriches both my professional growth and the quality of our programs.” – Andrea Jansen (Senior Program Lead)

Furthermore, the club has nine Learn to Row (LTR) coaches in training, who are being prepared to introduce new rowers to the sport, thus broadening the club’s reach and making rowing more accessible to beginners. There are also five coaches currently undergoing RCA certification, further strengthening the club’s coaching capabilities and ensuring a steady flow of qualified coaches.

This enhanced coaching capacity has significantly impacted the programs offered to athletes and guests at the Leander Boat Club. With more trained coaches, the club can offer a wider range of programs tailored to different skill levels, from introductory sessions for newcomers to specialized training for competitive rowers. This variety not only improves the overall experience for members but also attracts new participants to the sport. Additionally, the investment in coaching education has been beneficial for the coaches themselves, providing them with valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. The support from the OTF has enabled these coaches to advance their skills and credentials, which in turn enriches the quality of instruction and mentorship they provide.

“The coach education process has been incredibly meaningful to my development as a coach. During my journey to certification, I had the opportunity to work alongside more experienced coaches, which greatly enhanced my skills. I am proud to be fully certified and look forward to continuing to engage in coach education opportunities to further develop my expertise and contribute to our rowing community.” – Myma Okuda-Rayfuse (Senior Program Lead)

The Leander Boat Club expresses its deep gratitude to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this support. The grant has been a catalyst for growth and improvement, reinforcing the club’s commitment to excellence in rowing and community engagement. This partnership highlights the positive impact that community-focused funding can have on sports organizations, enabling them to enhance their services and contribute more broadly to the community’s well-being.