Celebrating National Coaches Week: Recognizing the Impact of Coaches

September 14th - 20th, 2026 is National Coaches Week, a time to celebrate the coaches who dedicate their time, knowledge, and energy to supporting athletes and strengthening sport in our communities. Whether coaching a first-time participant, a recreational team, or athletes competing at the highest levels, coaches play an important role in creating positive sport experiences. Beyond teaching the skills of the sport itself, coaches can help participants build confidence, develop long-term connections, overcome challenges, and discover a lifelong love of being active.

Coaching also presents continuous opportunities to learn and grow. From developing new skills and connecting with other coaches to access training and resources, there are many ways coaches can continue building positive experiences for the people they support.

This National Coaches Week, take some time to celebrate the coaches making a difference in our community and explore the resources available to support them along the way.

The Impact of a Coach

A coach’s impact can reach far beyond teaching the skills of a sport. Coaches help shape the environment participants experience every time they step on the field, ice, court, track, or wherever their sport takes place. The encouragement, leadership, and support they provide can influence how participants build their confidence, connect with others, and develop their relationship with the sport.

For many participants, coaches can also become mentors and positive role models. From celebrating progress and helping athletes work through challenges to creating a space where people feel supported and included, the relationships built through coaching can leave an impact long after a season ends.

That is what makes National Coaches Week an opportunity not only to recognize coaches, but to celebrate the difference they make in sport and in their communities.

Get Involved in National Coaches Week

National Coaches Week is an opportunity to recognize the people who make sport possible. Celebrating doesn’t have to be complicated, even a simple thank you can go a long way. The Coaching Association of Canada encourages Canadians to participate by sharing their appreciation and using #ThanksCoach throughout the week.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

1. Thank a coach - Take a moment to recognize someone who had made a difference in your sport experience
2. Keep learning - Explore an NCCP course, workshop, webinar, or other professional development opportunity.
3. Share your appreciation - Use National Coaches Week as an opportunity to recognize coaches through your organization’s website or social media.
4. Connect with other coaches - Coaching doesn’t have to happen in isolation. Reach out to other coaches, mentors, and local sport organizations to exchange ideas and experiences.

Resources for Coaches 

Coaching is a continuous learning experience, and the right resources can help coaches continue developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence at every stage of their journey.

Lethbridge Sport Council offers a variety of resources and opportunities for coaches, including information on safe and quality sport, inclusion, coach education, local coaching opportunities, and professional development. Coaches can also connect through initiatives such as Be A Coach and the Lethbridge Game Changers Development Conference.

Explore Coaching Resources:

• Lethbridge Sport Council — Coaching Resources
• Lethbridge Sport Council — Be A Coach
• Lethbridge Game Changers 
• Coaching Association of Canada — NCCP Training 

Creating Your Coaching Philosophy

A coaching philosophy can help guide how you approach your role, make decisions, and create positive experiences for the athletes you support. Taking time to reflect on your purpose, values, and the environment you want to create can help shape the kind of coach you want to be.

Active for Life's How to Create a Coaching Philosophy that Reflects Your Values worksheet offers a series of questions to help coaches reflect on why they coach, the values they want to instill, and how they can create a positive and supportive environment for their athletes.

Download the worksheet HERE.

Celebrate National Coaches Week

The Coaching Association of Canada offers a National Coaches Week Participation Guide with ready-to-use resources for athletes, parents, sport organizations, and coaches. From social media graphics and customizable templates to coach spotlights and celebration ideas, the toolkit makes it easy to recognize coaches in your community and join the conversation using #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek. 

Thank You, Coaches 

National Coaches Week is a chance to recognize the commitment and energy coaches bring to sport everyday. Whether they are introducing someone to a sport for the first time or supporting athletes as they work towards their goals, coaches help create meaningful sport experiences in our community.

This September, take a moment to recognize the coaches who make a difference by simply saying

#ThanksCoach.