Sport Workshops & Education Sessions

Each certification will have 24 spots available.

Yes! All participants must pay in full at time of registration, and once the course is completed all participants will be able to claim up to 60% reimbursement via Quest For Gold. Information will be provided during the course.

Participants must be female-identifying and must be 15+ years old to attend; preference will be given to Aurora residents. Note: All participants must attend both days of in-person certification.

Participants must be 15+ years old to attend, and preference will be given to Aurora residents. Note: All participants must attend both days of in-person certification.

Female high school students volunteering in the 'Girls Got Game' program through Y.N.B.A. can follow a four-phase certification pathway.

Phase 1: Level 1 – Learn to Train Certification

• Attend the December 2024 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 2, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 1 course fees.

Phase 2: Volunteer in Girls Got Game (G.G.G.) Winter Program

• Receive mentorship during the program to complete the evaluation for Level 1 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed Phase 1.

Phase 3: Level 2 – Learn to Compete Certification

• Attend the May 2025 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 4, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 2 course fees.

Phase 4: Coaching Role in Fall/Winter

• Stream to apply for a coaching role with Y.N.B.A. house league starting Fall 2025.
• Mentorship to complete the evaluation for Level 2 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed the first three phases.

This pathway provides an incredible opportunity for young female coaches to gain experience, receive mentorship, and build a career in coaching basketball. Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure.

Youth should sign-up for these basketball coaching certification programs because they offer a unique opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a meaningful impact on the community. By becoming a certified coach, young people can turn their passion for basketball into a rewarding role that helps shape the next generation of athletes. Additionally, the program provides mentorship, career development, and the chance to be part of an inclusive and supportive network, empowering youth to build confidence, enhance their resume, and contribute to the sport they love.

This initiative aligns with the Town of Aurora's Sport Plan by promoting the development of local talent, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring high-quality sports programming. The Sport Plan emphasizes building a safe and supportive environment for athletes and coaches, and these certification programs follow that direction by prioritizing Safe Sport principles and accessible pathways for diverse groups. By offering basketball coaching certifications and targeting underrepresented groups, such as young female coaches, the Town is actively working toward its goal of increasing participation, enhancing skill development, and creating a sustainable sports community.

By leading these initiatives, the Town can ensure that local residents have access to quality training, helping to build a robust network of qualified coaches who will, in turn, strengthen the local sports programs. Moreover, by addressing barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented groups like young female coaches, the Town demonstrates a commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and empowerment in sports. Taking this leadership role also enhances the Town’s reputation as a forward-thinking community invested in the well-being and development of its youth, creating long-term benefits for both individuals and the broader community.

Skill Development Empowerment Through Sport! This program is focused on introducing girls to the game of basketball while building self-confidence through sport. The emphasis will be on developing fundamental movement and basketball skills in a fun, interactive environment. The participants will learn these skills through the use of a variety of activities and games. The program will also have older female athletes as coaches. Providing positive role modelling for the younger participants. This is for GIRLS ONLY and no experience is necessary. We are proud to play like girls! This program is facilitated by Jackie Zicaro, who has a background in Health and Physical Education and coaches at Sir William Mulock S.S. She is a coach with Y.N.B.A., and a Coach Developer for Basketball Canada’s Coaching Certification Program.

Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure. Here's why they matter.

1. Empowerment and Confidence Building

In many societies, girls are often socialized to be less assertive or take up less space. Girls-only environments can help counteract this by providing a setting where they can express themselves freely, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence without the fear of judgement or competition with boys. These spaces encourage girls to take risks, speak up, and be themselves in ways they might not in co-ed spaces.

2. Safety and Comfort

Girls-only spaces provide a safe and supportive environment, free from potential harassment or discrimination. This is especially important in communities or contexts where girls may face gender-based violence or social pressures. In such spaces, girls can engage openly, share personal experiences, and support each other without feeling vulnerable or unsafe.

3. Fostering Gender Identity and Solidarity

Girls-only spaces allow young women to explore their identities, share common experiences, and build camaraderie. They can discuss topics like body image, menstruation, or societal expectations without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, which helps to foster a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.

4. Encouraging Participation in Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields

In certain areas, such as S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) or sports, girls often feel marginalized. Girls-only programs and spaces can encourage greater participation by removing societal pressures, fostering interest, and providing role models. For instance, girls are more likely to pursue S.T.E.M. activities when in a space free from the biases or competitiveness often present in co-ed environments.

5. Addressing Specific Needs

Girls often have different developmental, psychological, and social needs compared to boys, particularly during adolescence. Girls-only spaces can be tailored to these needs, addressing topics like reproductive health, body image, mental health, and self-esteem in a way that resonates with girls and young women.

6. Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations

These spaces challenge traditional gender norms by giving girls the opportunity to lead, explore interests, and pursue ambitions that may not be fully encouraged in mixed-gender settings. By offering a space free from typical societal expectations, girls can break stereotypes and build new paths for themselves.

7. Support During Transitional Phases

As girls transition through different life stages, like puberty or entering higher education, girls-only spaces can provide essential emotional and psychological support. Whether through mentorship, peer support, or education, these environments help girls navigate complex changes in a positive and affirming way.