Play to lead: Empowering female athletes and coaches to transform sport in Saskatchewan
Ehrlo Sport Venture (ESV) recently sent a staff and three female athletes to participate an inspiring opportunity that promoted personal and professional growth at the Play to Lead Summit held in Saskatoon.
Hosted by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the Play to Lead summit creates a network for girls and their coaches to come together through the power of sport to experience hands-on training and mentorship where they can build lasting relationships that contribute to gender equity.
Jeanette Orpe, staff ambassador, joined three ESV female players at the summit along with coaches and athletes from across the province.
“Coaches hit the classroom where we learned, reflected, and discussed various topics such as body confidence, energy management, trauma-informed practices, and so much more,” said Jeanette. “As coaches, we worked together to explore how we can make more girl-centred spaces in sports.”
Across four days, participants explored key issues including, creating female-friendly environments and strategies to ensure women are respected, heard, and understood in the industry. For Jeanette, highlights included a presentation by keynote speaker and multi-sport athlete Jill Payne, Revolutionair, and Energy Management.
The athletes shared that highlights included meeting new friends from across the province, being able make connections with all the leaders, and learning how to become a better and more involved leader.
One youth leader said, “Play to Lead taught me how to be a better leader and better player with girls who are just like me”.
The athletes have been tasked to create a project over the next nine months where they can incorporate some of their learnings while building their leadership in the community.
“Being surrounded by other women leaders in sport, and to learn from the athletes was inspiring. I was in awe of how they pushed boundaries and shared their leadership drive,” said Jeanette.
The summit blended education with action, offering opportunities to rock climb, a tour of the University of Saskatchewan’s recreational facilities, and the group enjoyed a day at Wanuskewin where they participated in tipi teachings, a social scavenger hunt, and traditional games – activities all fostering connection and confidence.
The experience provided space for honest and meaningful conversations about the unique challenges girls and women face in what is still often considered a male-dominated industry. For Jeanette, the summit offered both affirmation and inspiration: the chance to embrace her leadership role and unleash her power through sport.
“Overall, this opportunity supported me in building capacity both on and off the field. I was able to step out of my comfort zone, engage with other coaches, and learn from the amazing athletes and their leadership pursuits.”
