FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2026

Football Ontario Accepting Coach Applications for Team Ontario U16 Women’s Tackle Program

Football Ontario Looks to Hire Coaches for Provincial Tackle Program

Hamilton, Ontario – Football Ontario is now accepting coach applications for the Team Ontario U16 Women’s Tackle Program for the 2026-2027 season.

• Applications Open: March 5, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 19, 2026
• Start Date: April 1, 2026
• Contract Term: 2026 (with the opportunity to extend to 2027)

This initiative follows a strong start to the 2026 Team Ontario cycle, which has already included regional Identification (ID) Camps held across Ontario. These camps saw participation from athletes representing communities throughout the province, reinforcing both the depth of talent and the need for a clearly defined developmental pathway.

The next phase of the 2026 program will conclude on May 3 at Queen’s University, where selected athletes will participate in a Development Camp. Looking ahead, the U16 program is being built with the long-term goal of formal interprovincial competition in 2027, while serving as a direct feeder into the U18 Women’s Tackle Team.

We are seeking passionate, committed coaches to form the inaugural U16 Women’s Tackle coaching staff, alongside Head Coach Eric Parthenais. This group will play a foundational role in shaping the future of women’s tackle football in Ontario, with a focus on:

• Athlete recruitment from across the province
• Athlete retention through inclusive, athlete-centred environments
• Athlete development within a structured, high-performance framework

We encourage applications from coaches who:

• Are passionate about developing female athletes
• Believe in long-term athlete development and collaboration
• Want to contribute to the continued growth of women’s tackle football in Ontario

Available positions:

• General Manager
• Offensive Coordinator
• Defensive Coordinator
• Special Teams Coordinator
• Positional Coaches
• Mentee Coach
• Equipment Manager

Football Ontario is #ALLIN. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices and promoting diversity and equity daily. We support equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Table of Contents

1. Being a Great Teammate
2. Required Certifications
3. Head Coach Roles & Responsibilities
4. Application Requirements

1. Being a Great Teammate

“Great leaders only preach what they are willing to consistently practice themselves.”

Guidelines for Being a Great Teammate (Coach, Parent, Athlete):

• I am practicing PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING with others.
• I am only offering words of ENCOURAGEMENT with others.
• I am giving others my best ENERGY and ENTHUSIASM
• I am open to DIVERSITY of thought
• I am RESPECTING the 24-hour rule before sending an email or posting on social media

2. Required Certifications

Applicants must provide proof of the following:

• Completed Criminal Background Check + Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Required NCCP certifications:

Making Ethical Decisions	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#MED-E
Safe Contact 2.0	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#FB-SCR-EN
Making Head-Way in Football	https://coach.ca/nccp-making-head-way-football
Anti-Racism in Coaching	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#ARIC-E
Safe Sport	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#SS
Understanding the Rule of Two	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#URT-E

• Note: Safe Contact Training (in-person or virtual) is required; if past the five-year expiry date, then SC 2.0 Refresher is sufficient.

Asset NCCP courses (recommended but not mandatory):

Mental Health in Sport	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#MHIS-E
Managing Conflict	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#MC-E
Creating a Positive Sport Environment	https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#CPSE-E

3. Coach Roles & Responsibilities

Communication

• Use consistent communication platforms (e.g., TeamLinkt, WhatsApp), using Rule of 2, and maintaining open communication with parents, athletes and coaching staff.

High-Performance Pathway

• Collaborate with Head Coach and coaching staff to develop and oversee practice and training plans for tryouts, ID camps, and training camps
• Work with staff to promote events, recruit athletes, and structure development pathways
• Attend in-person events throughout tenure (confirmed dates for 2026, tentative dates for 2027):
  • Development Camp: May 3, 2026 – Queen’s University
  • Identification Camps 2027: January, February 

4. Application Requirements

To be considered for the position, applicants must outline which specific coaching role they are applying to, and submit the following:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume including contact information for 3 references
3. Record of NCCP Coach Requirements completed to date
4. One reference letter highlighting why they would be an ideal U18 Women’s Tackle Head Coach. This can include:
   • Leadership qualities and characteristics
   • Lived experience up to this point
   • Specific coaching or organizational skills

Disclaimer: If, for any reason, an applicant is unable to provide documentation, they must communicate this to Football Ontario via email before the application deadline.

Please send applications to:

📧 etodd@footballontario.net
📧coachparthenais@gmail.com
📧 daniel@coachlegros.com

Applications will be accepted from March 5 – March 19, 2026. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.footballontario.net

ABOUT FOOTBALL ONTARIO: Football Ontario is the sanctioned provincial governing body for football in Ontario, through its focus on transparency, growth, alignment and excellence, is engaged in providing football opportunities for all of Ontario. Football Ontario is driven by a commitment to deliver football programming, opportunities and resources for its members and the provincial football stakeholders.