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CAF Women in Sport Program 2025-2026

Woman playing volleyball
The CAF Women in Sport Program is offered annually in effort to support and increase women’s participation in the CAF Sports program. Through further women’s program development, we hope to increase our efforts in directly supporting B/W sports delivery for women.

The program aims to reduce various barriers  that have traditionally hindered women's full and equal participation in sports, thereby creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for female athletes participation to thrive and excel.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  • Increase participation rates among women in a variety of CAF sports
  • Promote and support women's sports at all levels, from grassroots to elite and to showcase female talent and achievement
  • Provide equal access to training facilities, coaching, and opportunities for female athletes
  • Encourage leadership opportunities for women within sports organizations, such as coaching and officiating
  • Combat stereotypes and discrimination by fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and gender equality in sports

GOAL

  • To support up to $3000 per B/W financially in their effort to offer women in sport programs/programming. Up to $500 of this total may be used towards equipment purchase to augment WIS Program (subject to case by case approval)
  • All B/W to complete a minimum of one initiative in 2025-2026

ELIGIBILITY


All base/wing/OUTCAN are eligible to apply

All applications must be routed through either the local Manager of Fitness, Sports & Recreation or the designated Sports Coordinator. Military personnel may complete the application form, but their request will be forwarded to their appropriate Sports Coordinator prior to approvals. This centralized process ensures streamlined communication and adherence to established protocols.

What can the grant be used for?

The following is a list of examples, albeit not exhaustive, of the type of financial support that is available:

  • Establish a sustainable, long-term program or initiative to support bases/wings
  • Facility Rental Fee
  • Launch or expand women-specific sport leagues or intramural tournaments )in-house/on base)
  • Offer introductory sport clinics and “try it” events to encourage new participants ie. 8-week multisport intramural/intersection and bring in community sport coaches/experts to support it
  • Equipment Purchase to augment WIS Program - up to $500 per b/w - subject to approval (women’s golf clubs, women’s basketballs, etc); cannot be used for next of skin or single use purchases

The following is a list, albeit not exhaustive, of the type of financial support that is NOT available:

  • Local support for local community league fees
  • Uniforms
  • Clothing / Accessories 
  • Awards/Prizes
  • Hospitality 
  • Internal Staffing
  • One-time events/symposium
  • Individual endeavors (exceptions, case by case)

Examples of Potential Women in Sports Programs

The following is a list of examples of previous events and suggestions and concepts for future programs:

  • 8 Week Women’s Multi Sport Program (ie. intersection/during work day where it doesn’t interfere with potential child care or scheduling)
  • Introduction to Triathlon/Running Program
  • Golf Training Lessons
  • Hockey/Powerskating Clinic
  • Learn to Lift Clinic
  • Swimming Program
  • Officiating clinic- What does it take?

TIMEFRAME & DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

  • Open – 31 March 2026
  • All submissions must be received by NLT 27 Feb 2026. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Complete and submit the application form for review.
  • Applications will be reviewed and a response/feedback will be provided to the applicant within ~14 days of submission.
  • Applications must be submitted by the application form to the CAFSO for review prior to 27 Feb 2026; initiatives must be completed prior to 31 March 2026.
  • All questions regarding the Women’s in sports program application can be directed to Madlynn Palmer. CAF Sport Coord HQ at palmer.madlynn@cfmws.com

REQUIREMENTS

    • Upon completion of activity, there will be a survey for the OPI to complete, as well as one for participants.
    • Take photos and share on Social Media! Please tag the CAF Sports Facebook page so we can re-share and celebrate your initiatives!

Applicant will provide

  • Completed Application Form