A total of 13 first-year aspiring female coaches will participate in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP) during the 2023-24 season.
The FACP, which is funded in part by Sport Canada, is designed to identify and support female graduating student-athletes who demonstrate the desire and skills for coaching by providing them opportunities to share in the coaching experience in the CCAA.
Leading the way is CCAA Soccer, which will feature five apprentices this year. In the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), Madison Tzimas will be mentored by Steve Vagnini at St. Clair College with the Saints.
Tzimas took pride in wearing the green and yellow at St. Clair and was honoured to be team captain with the Saints.
“When the season began, I was able to make use of my soccer knowledge and skills on the field to be an effective player for the team, but I soon realized that there was more that I could do for the team,” she said.
As a result, Tzimas began helping her teammates during practice drills and demonstrating ways to help them improve their skill and technique. Having developed those leadership and communication skills, she became more confident individually, as a teammate, and most importantly as a leader.
“Taking on the role of a leader both on and off the field made me enjoy the sport even more, since I was making a difference in the lives of others,” said Tzimas, who has also obtained her Personal Trainer Certificate.
Through the FACP, she hopes to gain experience designing and teaching structured practices with drills that will enhance both the physical and mental abilities of student-athletes.
“My goal as a female coach is to create an environment that allows female players to develop and grow, allowing them to reach their potential in a sport they are passionate about,” said Tzimas.
She is a natural fit for the FACP according to Reid Innes, Director of Athletics at St. Clair College.
“The long-term plan is for Madison to continue to stay on the staff after this season,” said Innes. “St. Clair College has a strong mandate to focus on succession planning and especially female coaches for our female teams.”
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The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport.
Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
Manager, Communications & Events
