Coach’s IDEA

Don't Forget the A in EDIA! Zach Dickson, Kurtis Deveaux, Nicole Durand & Morgan Cathcart

The group dives into the significance of EDIA. Nicole shares her experiences with the Wanderers and Hockey Nova Scotia diversity committees, emphasizing the need for intentional representation and safe spaces. Morgan underscores the value of networking and creating inclusive environments where individuals can feel supported, while Kurtis reflects on the importance of community in shaping positive change.
In a deeply personal segment, Kurtis offers nuanced advice for individuals with disabilities exploring adaptive sports, whether born with a disability or acquiring one later in life. He also thoughtfully explores language—why some embrace or avoid the term “disability”—and how self-identification plays a vital role in empowerment and advocacy.
The group discusses stigmas and stereotypes they’ve faced both as athletes and coaches, ranging from assumptions about competence to challenges with accessible infrastructure. They also explore intersectionality—how overlapping identities (such as gender, race, or socioeconomic status) affect experiences in sport.
A key framework discussed is the three-question model: “Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?”—a holistic approach to designing accessible sport & recreation environments. This involves considering transportation, physical accessibility (like washrooms), financial costs, opportunities for participation beyond competition, staff readiness, and the broader sense of community and support.
Zach shares his perspective as an ally and how able-bodied individuals can better support and advocate for those with disabilities. He emphasizes that allyship means listening, learning, asking questions, and being unafraid to make mistakes in the process of trying to do better.
Kurtis also shares how he got involved in adaptive golf, highlighting the importance of mentorship, awareness, and having access to the right equipment.
Looking ahead to 2025, the guests discuss what coaches can do to foster inclusive and welcoming environments. Their advice includes not making assumptions, being curious and open-minded, and actively engaging with individuals who have lived experiences. They stress that creating inclusive sport spaces is a continuous journey—one that benefits from compassion, humility, and a willingness to grow.
The episode concludes with a reflective and moving question: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Nicole reminds us that “everything happens for a reason.”
Zach encourages taking risks: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—you don’t know unless you try!”
Kurtis offers hope: “You may see your disability as a negative thing, but don’t let that stop you—it could be life-changing.”
Morgan suggests leaving sport on a high note: “Walk away while you’re happy. Appreciate and hold on to the good memories and lessons.”

Rising Tides, A New Era in Women’s Sports! Lewis Page & Kennedi Kiarash

In this episode of the Coach’s IDEA Podcast, host Marvin Okello welcomes Lewis Page and Kennedi Kiarash, the head coach and assistant coach of the Halifax Tides, respectively. 
The conversation dives into several important topics about coaching and women’s sports, touching on their personal coaching journeys, mentors, and favorite moments as athletes. The coaches share their thoughts on how the landscape for female coaches and athletes has evolved in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Canada, particularly in light of recent discussions about the importance of supporting female athletes financially to ensure they can focus on their sport without needing additional income sources. The Tides, they discuss, provide their players with fair salaries, which has become a notable point of conversation in women’s sports.
Further, they discuss the importance of EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) both personally and within the broader coaching community. Kennedi provides insight into how coaches in 2025 can better support an inclusive and diverse environment for their athletes, especially women.
The coaches also reflect on the impact of Canadian soccer stars like Kara Lang and Christine Sinclair, noting the increasing prominence of Canadian female athletes like Jordan Huitema and Kadeisha Buchanan in international leagues, and how this will shape the future of women's soccer.
Lastly, they share memorable sports moments as fans and offer advice for coaches working with female athletes, rounding out a dynamic and inspiring conversation about the evolution of women in sports, coaching, and the importance of mentorship and support.

Coaching Journeys and Overcoming Challenges - Being the First and Only

In this episode of the Coach's Idea Podcast, join host Marvin Okello as he engages in a profound conversation with Tasia McKenna and Vaughn Arthur. With insights into their personal coaching journeys, they discuss the significance of representation in sports coaching and the powerful impact of diverse mentorship.
Discover how Tasia and Vaughn navigated challenges and found joy in their respective coaching roles, while emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments for athletes. This episode highlights the evolving landscape of coaching and the critical need for community, communication, and understanding in fostering a more equitable sports environment.

The Unifying Power of Soccer: New Canadians Coaching Program

Welcome to a special edition of Coach's Idea featuring Marvin Okello, Jordan Ellis, and Houssam Elokda, each bringing unique perspectives from their diverse backgrounds in soccer. Join these avid Arsenal & Chelsea fans and passionate coaches as they share insights into the role of soccer in their lives and communities.
Discover the stories of how soccer culture differs across Jamaica, Egypt, Kenya and Canada, and how these differences influence coaching styles and beliefs. Hear about the challenges and triumphs of coaching young talent, especially among newcomers to Canada, and the personal journeys that led each host to embrace the sport.
Though they may support different clubs, their unified love of "the beautiful game" provides a foundation for connecting with diverse communities, and inspiring the next generation of soccer players. Tune in to hear how these coaches bridge cultural divides while fostering equity and accessibility in soccer.

Coaching for Inclusion with Danielle Cyr & Camden Purcell

Join us on this episode of the Coaches IDEA podcast as we sit down with Danielle Cyr, a renowned non-binary coach, and Camden Purcell, an empowering transgender athlete. D, who is a leader in promoting equal rights and diversity in sports, shares their journey from multi-sport athlete to decorated coach while advocating for inclusivity on and off the field. Hear from Camden, a passionate goalkeeper, on his experiences as a transgender athlete and his efforts to foster an accepting environment for fellow transgender athletes in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Deep dive into the significance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in sports. Discover how these ideals have shaped D and Cam's lives and how they continue to inspire change in the sports world. Listen as they share candid stories, lessons learned, and actionable insights for coaches, athletes, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on creating lasting change in sports and society.

Empowering Voices: Truth & Reconciliation, Coaching In The Community & The Importance of events such as NAIG and the BICMP with Madeline McDonald

Join host Marvin Okello in this insightful episode of the Coach's Idea podcast as he sits down with Madeline McDonald, an inspiring coach from Atlantic Canada. Madeline, shares her journey from growing up in Milford, Nova Scotia, to becoming a dedicated rugby coach, advocating for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in sports.
 
Madeline MacDonald works as an EDIA navigator with Sport Nova Scotia, and she shares her lessons learned in sport and in her community as a First Nations member who did not grow up on a reserve. She vulnerably shares her families personal experiences with residential schools, and the aftermath that followed. 
 
Discover Maddie's passion for coaching, her experiences in overcoming challenges, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for athletes. Learn about her involvement with the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the impact of such events on Indigenous youth and communities. Maddie also offers valuable advice for coaches on navigating the start of your coaching journey and fostering a supportive environment for all athletes.
 
Whether you're a coach, athlete, sports enthusiast, or someone who wants to continue working towards personal truth and reconciliation this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights to help nurture a culture of diversity and inclusion in sports. Don't miss out on Maddie's wisdom and Marvin's engaging conversation. Tune in now!

Empowering Youth and Ensuring Safe Sport with Nicole Kuzmich and Simon Taylor

Welcome to the Coaches' Idea Podcast, hosted by Marvin Okello. In this episode, we dive into the world of mental performance consulting with our esteemed guests, Nicole Kuzmich and Simon Taylor. Both certified mental performance consultants at CSIA, Nicole and Simon share their unique journeys and insights into their work with coaches.
Nicole, a former international figure skater, and Simon, who comes from a golf background, discuss the importance of safeguarding athletes and the concept of safe sport. They emphasize the collective responsibility of coaches, parents, and the community in creating a supportive environment for youth in sports.
We explore the correlation between physical and mental health, the challenges of working with youth, and the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Nicole introduces the concept of "yellow flags" as a proactive approach to identifying potential issues, while Simon highlights resources for coaches to further their education in mental health and performance.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the importance of letting kids be kids, balancing performance with well-being, and empowering youth to find their voices in the world of sports.
Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone involved in the sporting community.

A Conversation with Multi-Sports Coach and FUNSports Founder Dave Green

In this episode of the "Coaches' Idea" podcast, host Marvin Okello and his guest, Dave Green, delve into the topics of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) in sports. Green, a respected community leader and Diversity and Inclusion specialist, takes listeners on a journey of his experiences in the realm of sports, from his days as a pro athlete to his current role promoting IDEA. An engaging narrative is presented, weaving together the paths of host and guest while touching on Green's commitment to the Canadian Canoe Kayak team in Chula Vista, California. Don't miss this riveting episode covering an oft-overlooked aspect of the sporting world and how people like Green are making a positive impact.
From a Sports Fan to a Beacon of Sports Accessibility: Inspiring Journey of a Change-Maker
This episode of the 'Coaches' Idea' podcast takes listeners on an inspiring journey of changing the sports industry through passion, dedication and a will to make sports accessible to children from all backgrounds. Our transforming journey takes us from a small neighborhood in Grand Falls, Windsor, to successful sports management careers and the creation of FUNSports - a full-fledged organization dedicated to making sports accessible to all children. Listen to this heartfelt tale of love, resilience, and profound change in the sports landscape.
Rising Above Adversity: From a Child Refugee to a Celebrated Sportsperson
Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey with Marvin Okello, a former child refugee from Kenya who became a renowned sportsperson. Marvin shares his incredible story of survival, resilience, and success. Despite the challenges of cultural differences, language barriers, and incidents of racism, Marvin followed his passion for sports, which helped him turn his struggles into strength and success. This episode is much more than a tale of grit and perseverance; it’s a compelling exploration of identity, immigration, and the transformative power of sports.
An Unflinching Stand Against Racism: Marvin's Journey in Sports as a Young Immigrant
In this poignant episode, Marvin uncovers the harsh realities of racism he experienced as a young immigrant and colored athlete. From being a refugee to university life, Marvin offers insight into the prejudices he faced and how sports provided him a safe haven from society's biases. Even in the face of adversity, Marvin was inspired to fight racism, and today he is a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in sports coaching. This episode emphasizes the power of sports as an escape, a sanctuary, and a vehicle for personal growth - all through the lens of one man's inspiring, resilient journey.
Unveiling the Power of Multi-Sport Athletes
Join us in an inspiring discussion emphasizing the power and potential of multi-sport athletes. Our guest unveils the enormous benefits that mastering multiple sports can bring - both to the individual and society. The conversation explores the value of community-focused sporting initiatives, shares stories of young coaches breaking racial stereotypes, and reinforces the idea that FUN is vital in sports and athlete engagement. So, don't miss out on this enlightening episode that dares to look at sports from a newer and broader perspective.

Imposter Syndrome, Representation, Mentorship and BHM with Allison Saunders and Tyler Simmons

Welcome to the first episode of the Coach's IDEA podcast. 
Allison Saunders is the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic’s Community Coaching Lead and has been selected to coach the female indoor volleyball team for the 2025 Canada Games. Allison is a high level volleyball player who began coaching as a way of giving back to the community by creating high performance pathways for athletes and coaches. Allison is the lead for the CSIA's VIP Coaching program among many other hats she wears for CSIA. 
Tyler Simmons is an activist, teacher and community leader from North Preston. Tyler has been selected to coach the male indoor volleyball team for the 2025 Canada Games. Tyler was a mentee in the Black Indigenous Coaching Mentorship Program and is now a mentor for the program. 
Allison and Tyler share their reasons for beginning coaching, dealing with imposter syndrome, and why culture, diversity and inclusion are important in sport. 
 
The 2024 Atlantic Coaching Conference is on April 19/20 at the Atlantica on Robie street in downtown Halifax. The link to purchase tickets is here https://whova.com/portal/registration/atlan_202405/