Saskatchewan Soccer Association’s Female Mentorship Program

When I started playing soccer, I was coached by some great men. But that was the norm - male coaches. I do not have any memories of being coached, or even refereed, by females.

So, when my competitive playing career was finished, I decided to start coaching at the age of 18 - both so I could be a female coach in our soccer community, but also because I still love the game. 

I spent the next 10 years rebuilding our competitive program in the Battlefords surrounded, both locally and provincially, by male supports.

Over time, there became a shift and we started seeing more female coaches and refs at tournaments, as well as supports throughout Saskatchewan Soccer. 

I am always looking for ways to educate myself and connect with female soccer leaders on all levels locally, provincially and nationally.

Three years ago, Saskatchewan Soccer advertised their Female Mentorship Program (FMP). My thoughts immediately were “Let’s do this!” and I signed up. I had no idea how impactful this program would be or even what it would involve. 

The FMP has given me so much as a female coach and leader in my community. It brought in female facilitators with different expertise who are extremely knowledgeable.

After each session, I felt able to take the facilitator’s presentation and apply it not only to my community but also to my everyday life. It has been amazing and life-changing for both my personal and professional life.

Most importantly, the connections and relationships we have built within the FMP will be lifelong. Seeking out and hearing from fellow FMP participants has shown the vast amount of knowledge and experience we as female leaders in the soccer community truly have.

Now when I attend events, I already know female leaders in the room but I also seek out other female leaders where historically I would have drifted towards male leaders.

I plan to continue with FMP in the future, in any capacity. I also plan to build up our female coaches, refs and athletes within our local community and provincially, while building soccer as a whole.

The FMP has also given me a drive to further my professional education, gearing it towards female-led programs and facilitators. Thank you, FMP, for the last three years and I cannot wait for the future.

Kat Huxley, Battleford Youth Soccer

 

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WSC: Why is it so important for your communities to have female leaders and role models?

RM: It is important for our communities to have equitable access to leadership opportunities. This extends further than female leadership - every person deserves the chance to become a productive leader. 

This group works to offer a program that will develop role models in Saskatchewan for people who identify as women. 

Visibility of diverse leadership shows our participants that there is a spot for them to develop as a role model and leader, and that everyone deserves the chance to work towards their potential.

 

WSC: What does the program involve? What can female coaches taking part in the programme expect?

RM: This is an opportunity for individuals to share experiences, seek guidance, and knowledge with others.

 

Together, we will strive to grow towards our goals, celebrate achievements, and build on our potential. 

The program is open to females 18 and over who are players, coaches, referees, board members and organizers within the grassroots, competitive and high-performance levels.

Across the three years of the program, we have seen just over 50 people take part.

It runs from October to April with monthly online or in-person engagements. Each month, we will welcome female experts from around Canada who are actively promoting strong female leadership.

 Every participant will receive the following:

• 50% grant on next SSA-delivered coaching course (CSA C or B Licence part 1) or a $750 grant towards a Canada Soccer Children’s Licence, Youth Licence, B Licence Part 2 or A Licence.
• $200 honorarium upon completion of the program.
• Saskatoon-based coaches will be given the opportunity to participate in the SK REX High-Performance Program on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Honorarium for those participating in the REX Program.
• Participant welcome package.
• Opportunities to connect with female leaders within Canada and grow their own network.
• Tailored tasks designed to support their future aspirations.

 

WSC: What are the longer-term plans for the program?

RM: The program’s long-term goal is to establish a network of mentors that are working within our clubs.

This will ensure that any person who is looking for guidance has a mentor that can assist them.