2026/2027 Coaching Bursaries

Four $500 bursaries are awarded annually to students who have demonstrated a commitment to coaching in Manitoba. Our goal is to encourage students to continue coaching while attending a post-secondary institution.

The bursaries are to be used towards the recipient’s tuition.

Students who are, or will be attending university or college as a full time student (defined by the institution you will be attending for the 2026/2027 regular academic season) and are currently coaching for a school, club, PSO, or community center are invited to submit an application.

Sport Manitoba Coaching is pleased to offer the following bursary awards***:
 - Silvio Sboto Memorial Rural Male & Female Coach Award
 - Jeff Collins Memorial Winnipeg Male & Female Coach Award

Silvio Sboto Memorial Rural Coach Award

Silvio Sboto was a dedicated and humble man who started learning judo in the late 50s after immigrating to Canada from his native Peru. He resided in Brandon for the last thirty years where he worked at the Seikeikan Judo Club. Silvio’s coaching philosophy was solidified after he attended a coaching course where he learned more about coaching than he thought possible. His philosophy became, “We learn from each other, we can learn from everyone”. At the time of his passing, Silvio was the chair of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) for Judo Canada. Silvio spent 10 years as an NCCP Theory Course Conductor and attained Level 4 NCCP status. He also had his 5th degree black belt and was a national ‘C’ referee in Judo.

Jeff Collins Memorial Winnipeg Coach Award

Jeff Collins’ expertise earned him a reputation as a coach’s coach. Jeff served as head coach and clinician for the Legion Athletic Camps at the International Peace Garden for 32 years. He taught as a Master Course Conductor for the National Coaching Certification Program. Jeff was always energetic and also worked busily as an administrator. He was the convenor and co-meet director of the MHSAA’s provincial track and field champs from 1984 to 2001. He worked with students, most notably at Grant Park High School, who he admired for their dedication and commitment to track and field. Jeff attained his level 3 NCCP and also worked with world class special needs athletes. In 2003, Jeff was inducted to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

Complete the full application online by Monday, August 31, 2026.

If you have any questions while completing this application,  please email coaching@sportmanitoba.ca.

Requirements
 

Eligibility:

1. Senior (grade 12) graduating students who are enrolling in post-secondary education, or students currently enrolled in post-secondary education.
2. Minimum 60% course load in post-secondary institution.
3. Currently coaching with plans to continue coaching individuals/team(s) in Manitoba.
4. Must be actively certified in Respect in Sport
5. National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training and additional courses related to coaching (i.e., CPR, First Aid, Coaching Seminars) are an asset.

To complete this application please have the following documents ready to submit:

1. Letter of reference completed by someone you report to in your coaching position. (i.e principal, physical education teacher, club president, head coach). 
2. Letter should highlight your coaching involvement/experience, skills, and qualities.
3. A transcript of your most recent marks.

You will be asked to upload these supporting documents at the end of this online application. 

If you do not have these documents ready at this time, you may still begin filling out the application. You can click on "Save for later" to receive a link via email to continue filling out the form at a later time. 

Note: Meeting the eligibility guidelines listed above does not guarantee all scholarship categories will be awarded, but we can ensure each applicant will receive careful consideration and fair treatment in what is a very competitive process.

The Selection Committee reserves the discretion to consider the relative strength and depth of applications across the award categories. Where a category demonstrates exceptional competitiveness, the Committee may award multiple recipients within that category, provided that no applicant in one or more of the remaining categories achieves the minimum evaluation threshold.