Warriors Athletics & Recreation is excited to announce the Black Apprenticeship Coaching Program in partnership with the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-racism office (EDI-RO). This program has been developed to increase racialized representation in coaching positions for recent graduates to pursue coaching pathways with the Waterloo Warriors.  
 
"The Black Apprenticeship Coaching Program is a much needed and long overdue initiative that will enhance opportunities for aspiring coaches to gain valuable hands-on experience," said Darrell Adams, co-founder of The Alliance and associate coach of the football program. "I am beyond excited to serve as a mentor in all aspects, as well as provide access to my network of peers. I hope this 'pilot' becomes the foundation of a sustainable program here at the University of Waterloo." 

This program will provide multiple apprenticeship positions available under the leadership, guidance and mentorship of fulltime coaches within the following varsity programs: basketball, football, hockey, strength & conditioning, swimming and volleyball. The apprentice coach will gain applied experience in all aspects of the sport program, under the strategic direction of the head coach while being supported by EDI-RO and its work under the Scarborough Charter.  

"We are thrilled to partner with EDI-RO and to offer these opportunities to develop young Black coaches, and to increase diversity in the representation within coaching positions to better support our student-athletes," said Roly Webster, director of Athletics and Recreation. 

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to mentor and guide young racialized or marginalized new coaches to sport which is very underrepresented," said Jacky Beckford-Henriques, co-founder of The Alliance and head coach of the Warriors swimming program. "I am fully supportive of these programs and excited to partner with EDI-R to make this a success." 

"Institutionally, we need to continue to partner with departments to collectively make change. Sport is a powerful platform, not just to make change, but to convey messages that will educate and build awareness around the importance of this anti-racism and anti-oppression," said Dr. Christopher S. Taylor, Associate Vice-President, EDI-RO. 

The coaching opportunities are scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2022 and those wishing to apply can do so by emailing warriorsinfo@uwaterloo.ca.