advanced coaching diploma


enhancing coaching excellence

about the program


In partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada, the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta offers the Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD). This exclusive diploma program is offered through structured, competency-based modules delivered by master coaches and sport experts to coaches identified by their National Sport Organizations.

 

target coaches

The ACD program targets coaches with athletes from Train to Train, Train to Compete, and Train to Win. Generally, coaches engaged in the program are implementing a year round plan with their athletes and on average spend 12+ hours a week engaged in coaching.

program structure

The Advanced Coaching Diploma provides an opportunity for the active coach with a busy schedule to engage in advanced learning. The ACD Program is available in a two-year, part-time program, yet may also be obtained in more or less time depending on the various delivery schedules available. The diagram below outlines the usual structure of the ACD Program.

entry requirements

Interested candidates should consult their transcript in The Locker to begin the application process. Ideally, coaches are NCCP Competition Development Certified when entering the ACD Program. Alternately, the coach needs to be NCCP Fully Trained Competition Development, or Level 3 certified, and have successfully completed Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation.

Coaches can find more information, and apply for the ACD Program directly through their CAC Locker transcript. To enter the program the coach must also submit:

  • A completed online application form
  • A letter from their National Sport Organization supporting the coaches entry into the ACD program
  • A personal resume demonstrating a minimum of 3 years, relevant coaching experience
  • A letter of intent from the candidate indicating their reasons for completing the ACD Program
  • A completed Comp Dev portfolio or completed ACD pre-portfolio workbook
  • Payment of the application fee of $75.00 (non-refundable)
  • A memorandum of understanding signed by the candidate, the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta and the National Sport Organization
tuition fees

Program Tuition is $4000 paid over two years. There is a $75 CAD dollar application fee. There will be no refunds available for unsuccessful applicants.

2023-2024 Cohort Schedule

Year 1: April 2023 – November 2023 
Classes on Tuesdays from 8:30am-11:30am Mountain Standard Time (MST) online

Year 2: April 2023 – November 2023
Classes on Wednesdays from 8:30am – 11:30am Mountain Standard Time (MST) online

to apply

we are currently accepting applications through the Coaching Association of Canada's The Locker for the 2022 cohort until February 28, 2022.

advanced coaching diploma team


  • Darcy Cumming

    Advanced Coaching Diploma Cohort Mentor

    Darcy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Saskatchewan. He went on to complete his NCCP level 4 certification and obtained his coaching diploma from the National Coaching Institute Calgary (now Advanced Coaching Diploma) under the mentorship of Les Gramantik.

  • Shelley Fried

    Advanced Coaching Diploma Cohort Mentor

    Shelley is currently completing her PhD at the University of Calgary in the Werklund Education Department. Her research is focused on how to build impactful teaching practices and specifically, finding out how teaching games for understanding (TGFU) students use their pedagogy knowledge.

  • Dr. Cari Din

    Advanced Coaching Diploma Instructor

    Cari is a 1996 Olympic silver medallist in artistic swimming and was supported by the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta as an athlete. Cari coached in her home sport for many years while simultaneously completing her master’s degree in motor learning – teaching games for understanding. Cari went on to complete her PhD with her research specifically looking at coach and athlete leadership preceding Olympic medal-winning performances.


Copyright © 2013 Canadian Sport Institute Calgary | All Rights Reserved | Photo Credit : Dave Holland