About Us

Mission

Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy provides newcomer children and youth with economically accessible quality multi-sport programming that promotes growth and development that contributes to positive integration into their new community. 

 

Resettlement – Integration – Inclusion

Objectives

1

To provide quality multi-sport programming for newcomer children & youth to improve health, sport skills, fitness and overall well-being.​

2

To ensure quality multi-sport programming is developmentally and culturally appropriate based on research related to growth & development including life skills.​

3

To include and inform newcomer families of the program and its purpose in the sport community.​

4

To provide opportunities for civic engagement and leadership opportunities within the program and with supportive external organizations.​

5

To coordinate and provide older youth with leadership development for coaching and officiating including credentials to help with future employment.​

6

To work in collaboration with other newcomer serving agencies combat racism, systemic racism and discrimination including system barriers for newcomers and other minority • groups.​

7

Through sport, families are introduced to Canadian culture together in a safe environment.​

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Carolyn Trono

Carolyn has worked in the sport system in Canada and Winnipeg for over 30 years in many leadership positions. She is the Winnipeg Newcomers Sport Academy founder and is currently the Director of Quality Sport Development for the Sport for Life Society (a national multisport organization). She recently served on Canadian Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan’s Work Group for Gender Equity in Sport.

FOUNDER/ VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Betty Kassa

Betty arrived in Canada from Ethiopia in 2015 and very quickly fell in love with playing soccer, having never played before. Betty coaches soccer with Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy as well as with IRCOM. She brings great coaching skills but as important is her lived experience as a newcomer to Canada.

PROGRAM SOCCER COACH

Morgan Reitberger

Morgan has been with the program since 2016 in a number of capacities. She is one of the welcoming faces for newcomers in our program ensuring they are supported for a positive experience. Currently Morgan looks after much of the coordination of our team as well as registration and transportation.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Sawyer Klassen

In March 2020, Sawyer started with WNSA helping organize, coordinate and coach many aspects of the program. In the winter Sawyer skated and played hockey with our newcomer youth bringing enthusiasm for the many sports we participate in.

PROGRAM COACH

Hana Gomaa

Hana moved to Canada in 2018. She grew up in Egypt, finished her Bachelor’s degree of Economics in Germany and then found her way to Canada. Soccer has always been a huge part throughout her life and played for clubs in all 3 countries where she lived as well as represented her country with Egyptian National Team.

PROGRAM SOCCER COACH

Semin Mehmedovic

Arriving in Canada in 2011 from Bosnia, Semin has continued to pursue in love of sport and The Beautiful Game. Semin is our Lead Soccer Coach ensuring quality soccer practices for all participants. He has completed his Canada Soccer Children's License and C License. As part of the coaching team, Semin brings expertise and true understanding of newcomer athletes contributing our high quality programming.

LEAD SOCCER COACH
Slide

Sarah has been with Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy for 5 years, starting as a volunteer with her sister Sidney. As a multi-sport athlete, Sarah is able to coach soccer and basketball as well as work with our young physical literacy group. She also supervised and rode on the bus ensuring the safety of the children. She is currently studying at University of Winnipeg.

Sarah Duquette

PHYSICAL LITERACY AND SOCCER COACH

Richard Sylvester

Richard brings a level of experience, expertise, education and enthusiasm about sport, fitness, strength. He designs the sessions to ensure participant athletes are given opportunities to explore fundamental movement and sport skills. He is also one of the Leaders with the WNSA Youth in Sport Leadership Initiative.

DIRECTOR - FIELD OF PLAY

Contact us to find out more today!