Last week we had the opportunity to talk with Jason Reindl ChPC about his recent appointment to the Coaching Apprenticeship Program. Jason is an athletics coach in Saskatchewan and has been a member with Coaches of Canada since September 2008. At age 24 he is one of our youngest members and our youngest Chartered Professional Coach. Jason is completing his apprenticeship as the head coach of the Saskatoon Track and Field Club and is working with Todd Johnson the former head coach of the club as his mentor. Jason is currently coaching athletes between the ages of 15 and 28 and from developmental athletes to High Performance athletes.

What made you decide on a career in coaching?
I was introduced to the sport very early with both my parents being athletes. My mom and dad both were national team athletes in the 70’s and I grew up in a track and field house. It was no surprise when I developed an interest in the sport and started participating as an athlete. From the time I began hurdling I was a student of the sport, I was always asking my coaches questions and it got to the point where I started asking questions they couldn’t answer. After I graduated high school I took kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan and decided that I wanted to pursue a career in coaching.

What are your thoughts on the professional coaching landscape in Canada?
I believe the profession on a whole is approving across the country. Through the education provided by the CAC (Coaching Association of Canada) and the valuable services Coaches of Canada provides coaching as a profession is becoming more widely known. In high school and university students now know that this kind of career does exist and it is an option for them to pursue. The future looks promising.

What does have the ChPC designation mean to you?
It is an honour to be included in a group with so many legendary names. It shows that the time and commitment coaches put into their athletes and careers is recognized. Having the ChPC beside my name fits perfectly with my career path moving forward.

What do you hope to get out of the CAC’s Coaching Internship Program?
This opportunity allows me to concentrate 100% on coaching my athletes. The finances are there and I do not need a part time job. I get to be more focused on my club and ensure that everything is done correctly. Being a part of this program also gave me the opportunity to attend the 2008 Sport Leadership conference in Calgary which allowed me to meet and network with people from various sports across the country.

What are your career goals as a coach?
I want to concentrate on my athletes and help them to achieve their goals. I would love to be a part of the National team and represent Canada. I look forward to being a career coach and continuing to develop with my athletes.

Coaches of Canada wishes Jason all the best in his future endeavors!