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Girls CAN

Youth Leadership & Mentorship Model
Older youth (ages 14–18) play an integral mentorship role. They receive training in facilitation, peer support, and equity-based leadership, along with NCCP Learn to Coach (for returning youth leaders) or Fundamental Movement Skills certification (for new leaders). This structure supports program sustainability, builds future recreation-sector capacity, and empowers youth with meaningful leadership experience.

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Girls CAN

Girls Coaching & Athletic Network

Empowering girls through mentorship, leadership, and basketball

Program Overview

Girls CAN is a mentorship-based basketball leadership program that connects high school female athletes with elementary school girls to build confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong love of sport.

Through an 8-week structured program, high school participants receive coaching and leadership training before mentoring younger girls in basketball sessions focused on skill development, teamwork, and confidence.

Girls CAN addresses a critical challenge in youth sport: girls dropping out of sport during adolescence. By positioning girls as both athletes and leaders, the program strengthens participation, mentorship, and pathways into coaching and leadership roles.

Program Model

Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Through Sport

High school female athletes mentor elementary school girls through structured basketball sessions that include:

  • Basketball skill development
  • Teamwork and confidence building
  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Positive female role modelling

This mentorship model empowers older students to become leaders while inspiring younger girls to stay engaged in sport.

Leadership Development

Student mentors receive training before delivering sessions, including:

  • PHCD Leadership Training
  • Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) Training
  • Youth Coaching Development

These training ensures mentors gain meaningful leadership experience while delivering safe, engaging programming.

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