Week 2 - Announcements, New Tech and Grant options

Sanford Carabin

Welcome to this week's Directors Corner. {this} week will cover some important National Team news, spotlight key accomplishments within the Ontario Soccer landscape, review a new piece of technology that can assist both EDs and TDs in their workflows and {finally} outline some grant options that are available for Clubs and academies to apply for funding.

Sanford Carabin

First up, Casey Stoney has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s National Team. This is a pivotal move for the program, as Stoney brings not only an impressive track record but also a clear vision for youth development and tactical flexibility. During her tenure at clubs like Manchester United Women and San Diego, she showed a remarkable ability to nurture young talent while adapting her squad’s style of play to different challenges. It’s safe to say her leadership could redefine the trajectory of the team and fortify Canada’s standing in women’s football globally.

Sanford Carabin

{Next}, in early 2025, Jesse Marsch will host coaching workshops across Canada, a much-anticipated initiative. Known for his innovative coaching approaches, Marsch bridges grassroots and advanced coaching techniques seamlessly. His emphasis on high-pressing strategies, synchronized team movements, and a player-centric approach aligns perfectly with Canada Soccer’s developmental goals. Marsch's stop in Ontario will revolve around the Ontario Soccer Summit where he will discuss a NEW Canadian DNA.

Sanford Carabin

It would be remiss of me not to recognize tha 24 Ontario soccer clubs that have recently achieved licensing under the National Youth Club Licensing Program. These clubs are setting the benchmark in grassroots soccer excellence, meeting standards that include governance, financial integrity, and long-term player development plans. Special mention to my good friends Mallory at Brams United, Patty at Erin Mills Soccer Club and David at Milton Magic Soccer club for achieving Association Level 1 Status.

Sanford Carabin

Shifting gears, I recently came across a new piece of tech called [Wowmouse}. This is an iwatch app that when connected to your laptop can allow you to switch slides during a powerpoint presentation simply by touching your index finger to your thumb. No need to have a clicker, this is effortless and is so subtle, it will not be noticed by your audience.

Sanford Carabin

For EDs that need to deliver Board Presentations or TDs conducting coaching or parent meetings, this is a very useful tool to integrate into your workflow to improve the effectiveness of your presentations. To use you need to follow 2 steps: 1 ) download the wowmouse app on your iwatch. 2) download the companion app for your laptop computer (especially if your using a Macbook). Once paired, you can control your presentations with your fingers. Visit doublepoint .com for more information.

Sanford Carabin

{Looking for money} IF you are looking at alternate revenue sources to support programming, don't forget the Circle K Celebration Festival Grants, which are back for 2025. These grants empower community soccer events by boosting participation and making the sport more inclusive. You can get an easy $750 dollars if you apply before deadline. Check out Ontario Soccer website for more details.

Sanford Carabin

Another source of funding is the Canadian Tire Jump Start program. You may already be aware of this program where individual families can apply for funding towards their child's registration but a {NEW} series of Grants called {Community Development Grants} has just been released with two funding streams: Program Support and Operational Support. These grants help soccer organizations who provide programming for kids between the ages of 4-18 in financial need or youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25. The application window closes on January 31 so you will need to hurry if your organization is interested in applying. Visit the Canadian Tire Website for more information.

Sanford Carabin

For those that have bigger projects to support, consider the many Trillium Foundation Grants that are {open} at the moment. The Youth innovations Grants are now open til April 9th and support projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. They prioritize grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous and/ or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression. Trillium also has an Improve Spaces Capital Grant which is accepting applications til March 5th. This grant is focuses on projects that update buildings, enhance spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment. If you have an indoor facility or field that needs an upgrade...may be worth checking out.

Sanford Carabin

Lastly, the coaches association of Ontario is still offering funding for youth soccer coaches through their NCCP Coach Bursary Program. Coaches can get up to $300 per individual in a fiscal year that would be available to cover up to 60% of eligible course registration fees and up to 90% for completion of the certification process. Visit www.coachesontario.ca for more details.

Sanford Carabin

Staying on the coaching front, the Canada Soccer 2025 Advanced Coach Education Program is now open for registrations.

Sanford Carabin

This offers an outstanding opportunity for coaches to enhance their credentials. Based on survey feedback from previous participants, revisions to the curriculum include a stronger emphasis on mental resilience training and integrating data analytics into practical coaching strategies.

Sanford Carabin

And with that, we wrap up this episode of Directors Corner. Thank you for tuning in. Until next week, take care and keep grinding away.....don't forget, you are the leaders that move our game forward.