Football Canada seeks Coaches for Junior National Flag Teams
Organization: Football Canada
Position: Four Head Coaches – Junior Flag National Team (17U Male, 17U Female, 15U Male, 15U Female)
Reports to: High Performance Director
Location: Flexible within Canada, travel required
Position Type: Contract
Employment Type: One year term, with possibility of extension
Expected Start Date: March 15th, 2026
Build the pathway. Develop the future of Canada’s Flag Football program.
As Flag Football readies itself to step onto the Olympic stage, Football Canada remains focused on building the future of sport – and we’re looking for an elite coach to help lead the way. Our Junior National Teams represent the first step in a world-class high-performance pathway. This is a unique opportunity to shape Canada’s next generation of international athletes while contributing directly to a historic moment in sport.
Under the direction of the High-Performance Director (HPD), each Junior National Team Head Coach is responsible for the preparation and development of their assigned Junior Flag National Team. The primary objective is to evaluate, select, and prepare athletes for international competition, beginning with virtual evaluations and culminating in the Junior International Cup in Los Angeles.
Each Head Coach will lead all technical and tactical development for their age and gender category, oversee performance analysis, coordinate athlete identification, and contribute to the continued growth and alignment of Football Canada’s Junior High Performance Pathway.
The purpose of this role is to select and prepare the national team for success at the Junior International Cup while building long term development standards within the Junior High Performance system. The Head Coach is responsible for supporting alignment, athlete development, coaching excellence, and program execution as part of Football Canada’s high-performance plan.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Program Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
• Collaborate with the HPD to develop and implement Junior National Team programming aligned with Football Canada’s development pathway.
• Provide input on budgets, competitions, travel, and training schedules for the Junior National Team.
• Build seasonal training plans that prepare athletes from initial evaluation through international competition.
• Monitor athlete development and adjust strategies to optimize team performance and readiness.
Athlete Development, Identification, and Recruitment
• Conduct remote athlete evaluations in April to create a Top 50 athlete list for the assigned age group.
• Deliver virtual academy sessions to the Top 50 athletes to prepare them for the final selection process.
• Head Coach the team at all required in person events including Elite Flag Nationals and the final selection camp held within that event.
• Lead athlete recruitment and identification for Junior National Team standards.
• Collaborate with HPD and program staff to finalize national selection criteria and athlete evaluation processes.
Performance and Gap Analysis
• Utilize video review, performance data, and testing tools to assess individual and team development.
• Conduct gap analysis to inform athlete preparation and program adjustments.
• Maintain performance documentation and develop strategic game plans leading into international competition.
Driving Culture of Excellence and Leading Performance
• Establish a performance driven and athlete centred culture that reflects Football Canada values.
• Lead by example and maintain high standards for communication, accountability, and professionalism.
• Apply innovative coaching methods and adapt tactical strategies to prepare athletes for high level international opponents.
Building Capability and Optimizing Talent – Coaches and Staff
• Support the recruitment and mentorship of assistant coaches and support staff within the Junior program.
• Contribute to the development of Canadian coaches through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Communications and Reporting
• Maintain consistent communication with athletes, families, staff, and the HPD to ensure program alignment.
• Provide written reports on evaluations, team progress, and recommendations as requested by the HPD.
• Represent Football Canada in a professional manner and build strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders.
Upholding Safe Sport Values
• Promote a safe and positive sport environment by following Safe Sport principles and requirements.
Qualifications
Sport Knowledge and Skills
• Strong technical and tactical coaching skills in flag football.
• Experience evaluating and developing youth or high performance athletes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with an ability to work with athletes aged 13 to 17.
• Ability to collaborate within a high performance environment.
• Commitment to inclusivity, athlete welfare, and long term development.
• Previous experience coaching at provincial, national, or elite youth levels is an asset.
• Experience coaching in national or international events is considered an advantage.
Coaching Education and Requirements
• NCCP Competition Development Certified in Football or a demonstrated plan to achieve certification.
• Completion of Make Ethical Decisions Evaluation, Safe Sport or Respect in Sport, Rule of 2 Training, and Making Headway in Football.
• Successful Criminal Record Check and agreement to sign the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).
Application Deadline: Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET
Please email your Resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience to:
Warren Craney, High Performance Director
wcraney@footballcanada.com
Appendix A: Timeline and Key Dates
April 2026
• Remote athlete evaluations
• Creation of Top 50 list
• Virtual academy sessions
• Location: Remote
May 2026
• Elite Flag Nationals
• Final Selection Camp held during this event
• Location: Kingston
June 2026
• Four day training camp in San Diego
• Lead into the Junior International Cup
Junior International Cup
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Dates: TBD
