Eight Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions Join Sport for Life’s Post-Secondary Partnership Program
Sport for Life welcomes eight new post-secondary partners this winter, marking several firsts for the program as it expands beyond Physical Literacy Leader certifications.
Brock University becomes the first institution to offer Quality Sport Leader – Level 1 to its students. This certification focuses on creating positive sport environments through Long-Term Development principles, safe sport training, and building belonging in sport and physical activity settings.
Laurentian University is the first partner to offer two certification pathways across different departments, delivering Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1 and School Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1 to students in programs aligned with each certification’s focus.
University of British Columbia introduces the first School Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1 partnership. Designed specifically for educators, this certification equips future teachers with strategies to integrate meaningful movement experiences into classroom environments.
Joining them in the Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1 pathway are Algonquin College, Mount Royal University, St. Francis Xavier University, University of Ottawa, and University of Victoria.
Algonquin College and University of Victoria return for their second consecutive year, demonstrating the program’s value for both institutions and students. University of Ottawa becomes the second French-language partner in the program, joining Collège Boréal in offering certification pathways to francophone students. Mount Royal University is embedding the certification into its respected Bachelor of Health and Physical Education — Physical Literacy program major. St. Francis Xavier University expands the program’s reach in Atlantic Canada.
These winter partnerships build on fall additions including Georgian College, which joined the program earlier this academic year. Read more about the Georgian College partnership here.
How the Partnership Works
Through the Post-Secondary Partnership Program, faculty deliver Sport for Life workshop content directly within their courses at no cost to the institution. Students receive practical, evidence-based training as part of their regular coursework.
Students interested in pursuing official Sport for Life certification have a streamlined pathway. Rather than completing workshops independently, they only need to complete the eLearning courses and assessments through Sport for Life’s Campus at a discounted rate.
“The partnership with Sport for Life is an excellent opportunity to supplement current course material and validate the content outside of the classroom with a certification. It is an awesome value-add for students!” said Kyle Rich, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Management at Brock University.
The Certifications
Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1
This entry-level certification equips front-line workers with the competence to advocate for physical literacy development in their communities.
- eLearning: Getting Started with Physical Literacy, Social and Emotional Learning for Sport and Recreation (or for Educators)
- Workshops: Introduction to Belonging in Sport and Physical Activity, An Introduction to Physical Literacy (or Developing Physical Literacy in Recreation Programs)
Quality Sport Leader – Level 1
This certification provides a foundation for developing good people, good places, and good programs within sport.
- eLearning: Introduction to Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity, Safe Sport Training
- Workshops: Introduction to Belonging in Sport and Physical Activity, Quality Sport for Communities and Clubs
School Physical Literacy Leader – Level 1
This certification equips educators with tools to adapt their teaching methods and create meaningful physical literacy experiences for students.
- eLearning: Social and Emotional Learning for Educators
- Workshops: Energize Minds, Empower Bodies: Practical Strategies for Movement in the Classroom (Part 1 & 2); Physical Literacy Observation for Educators
- Webinar: Introduction to PLAYBuilder
Career Pathways and Community Impact
Graduates with both their degree and Sport for Life certification are positioned for diverse roles across education, sport, and recreation—whether leading community programs, coaching, teaching, or working in sport organizations.
“This winter cohort marks the first time we’re offering Quality Sport Leader and School Physical Literacy Leader through the post-secondary program. Students now have access to specialized certifications that match their career focus, whether that’s delivering quality sport programming or integrating physical literacy into classroom teaching,” said Thalia Moore, Senior Manager of Education at Sport for Life.
Get Involved
Sport for Life continues to expand this initiative across the country and internationally. Post-secondary institutions interested in offering Sport for Life certifications to their students are invited to explore similar partnerships.
For more information on how your institution can get involved, complete this form or email Thalia Moore, Senior Manager of Education, at thalia@sportforlife.ca.
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