Author: cgillis

First Tee – Atlantic launches ‘Adopt a School’ program to meet demand in local schools

ATLANTIC CANADA – First Tee – Atlantic has officially launched its new ‘Adopt a School’ program, a community-driven effort to expand access to the First Tee School Program across the Atlantic provinces.

As interest grows in bringing First Tee’s life-skills and character education into classrooms, the organization is calling on individuals, businesses and community groups to help by supporting local schools.

The program combines golf and life skills to help students develop confidence, focus and resilience — qualities that benefit them on and off the course.

“Educators see the difference every day,” said Colin Gillis, program manager for First Tee – Atlantic. “Students show stronger focus, improved self-esteem and meaningful social-emotional growth. But we can’t keep up with the demand. That’s why we created ‘Adopt a School’ — to invite our community to step up and make an impact.”

Early adopters in the Annapolis Valley have already helped launch the program in two communities.

In Kentville, Andrew White of The Co-operators contributed $3,500 to bring the program to KCA School.

“Andrew’s generosity will enrich our students’ lives through sport and give them the chance to explore golf’s life-long challenges,” said physical education teacher, Joey Feith.

In Wolfville, Hussein Rafih of Joe’s Food Emporium also donated $3,500 to bring the program to Wolfville School.

“The Rafih family has always been incredible supporters of our town and my work in athletics programming,” said physical education teacher Jeff Moore. “This opportunity means so much to our students — we are truly grateful.”

Each adoption covers the cost of curriculum materials, teacher training and golf equipment, removing financial barriers for schools.

“This is about more than golf,” said Steve Healy, development officer for First Tee – Atlantic. “It’s about giving children the tools to succeed in school and in life — and it starts with support from the community.”

With momentum building across the region, First Tee – Atlantic hopes to see more schools benefit from the Adopt a School program in the coming year.

To learn more or get involved, visit firstteeatlantic.ca/giving or contact Steve Healy at [email protected] or Kiley MacDonald at [email protected].

Liverpool Street and Forest Glen lead the way in First Tee – Atlantic’s Mini Putt Challenge

Atlantic Canada – It’s official – the inaugural Atlantic Mini Putt Challenge (AMPC) has wrapped, and we are proud to celebrate this year’s winners: Liverpool Street Elementary (Fredericton, N.B.) and Forest Glen School (Moncton, N.B.).

Hosted by First Tee – Atlantic, the AMPC invited schools across the region to design and build a 9-hole mini-putt course inside their gymnasium between October 2024 and May 2025. The goal was to use the key commitment of Collaborating with Others and inspire creativity, teamwork, and fun — all through the game of golf.

Each course had to feature one standout “Signature Hole” that pushed boundaries and reflected the students’ imagination and collaboration. Physical Education teachers led the way, guiding students in transforming their ideas into playable, interactive designs.

Liverpool Street Elementary: Precision and Play Come Together

Miss Kelly’s class at Liverpool Street Elementary impressed with a par-28 course that balanced technical challenge with creative flair. Their Signature Hole — Hole 7 — was a masterclass in course design, requiring a precise tee shot to navigate one of 20 cleverly placed hazards.

From winding fairways to whimsical obstacles, every element was thoughtfully executed. Judges praised the class’s ability to collaborate effectively, draw from their First Tee experiences, and bring their vision to life with energy and care.

Forest Glen School: A Cross-Country Golf Adventure

At Forest Glen School, Mrs. Hutton’s class built a vibrant par-35 course inspired by Canada’s landscapes and natural features. Their Signature Hole included slides, loops, and moving parts, turning the game into an immersive experience that was both educational and fun.

More than a course, their design felt like an adventure. With strong teamwork and attention to detail, the class created a space that engaged players of all ages and reflected the spirit of exploration and creativity.

Beyond the Game: Collaboration, Creativity, and Confidence

The Atlantic Mini Putt Challenge was more than just a competition — it was an opportunity for students to problem-solve, collaborate, and express their creativity in a new and exciting way. From the first brainstorm to the final putt, students were at the heart of the process.
The success of both Liverpool Street and Forest Glen shows how sport-based programs like First Tee can foster essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and imagination — all within a fun, inclusive environment.

Congratulations to both winning schools for their outstanding work, and thank you to all participants who made this first year such a success. We can’t wait to see what creative ideas roll out on the green next year!

Special thanks goes out to RBC Community Junior Golf for supporting this event with prizing and banners for the winning schools

Learn more about First Tee – Atlantic’s School Program at firstteeatlantic.ca/programs.

Dear Coach: The Unsung Heroes of First Tee – Atlantic

In honour of First Tee Week, we are celebrating the incredible coaches, teachers, and community leaders who bring our mission to life—on and off the course.

Across Atlantic Canada, over 75 certified First Tee coaches are delivering life-enhancing experiences through golf at 20 green grass facilities.

We are also proud to partner with passionate teachers and community leaders who have introduced First Tee in 87 schools and community centres — 44 of which serve equity-deserving communities.
Thanks to their efforts, more than 30,000 youth in Atlantic Canada have experienced the impact of First Tee since 2022 — learning life skills that extend far beyond the game.

Being a First Tee coach is more than just a title.

At First Tee – Atlantic, golf is more than getting the lowest score—it’s about helping youth develop into the best version of themselves. This starts with the mentors in front of them.

Our coaches are role models. They guide and support our youth. They create safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and ready to realize their full potential.

That commitment begins before stepping onto the course. Each coach completes Safe Sport certifications and training to understand golf as a vehicle to teach valuable life skills.

Through engaging activities, participants develop resilience, focus and leadership. Our coaches teach youth how to navigate life’s obstacles and remind them that failure is a stepping stone to growth.

To every First Tee coach, teacher, and community leader—thank you.

Thank you for leading with purpose and shaping the next generation of Canadian golfers, one swing at a time.

Become a Coach

First Tee – Atlantic participants represent Canada at Ernie Els International Golf Tournament

Four skilled competitors represented First Tee – Atlantic and Canada at the third annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International Golf Tournament.

The global tournament is for individuals with autism to benefit from competition, physical activity, and social connection. Participants as young as five and up to 18 compete alongside their teammates in a six-hole match at their Official Program Provider (OPP) in their respective countries, and scores are submitted.

This year, the Canadian squad was made up of four First Tee – Atlantic participants from Newfoundland.

Joseph Tobin, eight years old, Gabe Spence, nine years old, and Theo Jenkins, nine years old, from Corner Brook, NL and Jackson Pink, 11 years old, of Pasadena, NL faced off against the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana.

Pink shot the lowest team score, with a 43, and Tobin was not far behind, with a 49. The team was supported throughout the day by head coach Wayne Allen as well as his two daughters, assistant coaches Rosie and Paige Allen.

The players competed at First Tee – Atlantic program location, Humber Valley Resort, where Coach Wayne ran registered First Tee programming out of this year.

The partnership between First Tee – Atlantic, Els for Autism Foundation and Humber Valley is exemplary of First Tee’s mission to provide more inclusive pathways to golf for children from all backgrounds. By collaborating with the Els Foundation, First Tee – Atlantic provided a life-enhancing opportunity for its participants and helped children with autism feel more included in the culture of sports and recreation.

First Tee – Atlantic’s Program Manager, Colin Gillis, and dedicated First Tee coach, Wayne Allen, completed additional training through the Els Foundation to provide an ideal learning environment for participants with autism.

The #GameOn Autism Golf Program is infused with evidence-based practices for teaching golf to people with autism. Coaches take a deeper dive into helping participants learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, motor, and social skills.

First Tee – Atlantic and Coach Wayne have also been working with the Autism Network of Newfoundland since 2023.

“This is what First Tee is all about,” said Gillis. “When locations like Humber Valley Resort open their doors so any child can participate in golf, we break down those barriers of entry to our sport and ensure that all children feel included, welcomed and celebrated. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play golf and reap the benefits the sport has to offer on and off the course.”

First Tee – Atlantic launched across the Atlantic provinces in 2022 and now offers programming at over 17 locations through partnerships with golf courses, schools, and community organizations.

“We will continue to provide a safe and empowering environment for children with autism at First Tee – Atlantic,” said Gillis. “We look forward to competing again next year at the Ernie Els International tournament and hope to bring home the championship title!”

To learn more about the Els Autism Foundation, click here. To get involved with First Tee – Atlantic, click here.

PGA of Canada Hosts First Tee – Atlantic Coach Training

The picturesque golf courses of Amherst Golf Club and Glen Arbour Golf Club recently played host to a remarkable event: the First Tee Coach training. This training, organized by First Tee – Atlantic and delivered by the PGA of Canada, aimed to equip coaches with the skills necessary to inspire and mentor young golfers. Led by Wayne Allen, the 2023 Junior Leader of the Year and a PGA of Canada member, the training left an indelible mark on all participants.

The initial two days unfolded at Amherst Golf Club. Here, coaches delved into the intricacies of the Community Golf Coach workshop. Wayne, with his wealth of experience, guided them through practical techniques, effective communication and language, safety procedures, and the art of creating an inclusive environment for young golfers. Coaches honed their teaching skills, learning how to engage with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. The focus was not just on golf swings but also on character development and life skills.

The latter half of the training, First Tee Level 2, took place at Glen Arbour Golf Club. This segment was specifically designed for coaches aspiring to lead programs at green-grass facilities. Wayne Allen continued to inspire, emphasizing advanced coaching methodologies, program management, and leadership skills. Coaches explored ways to foster resilience, instill core values, and create a positive impact on their students’ lives.

The training sessions brought together a diverse group of 20 individuals—coaches from across Atlantic Canada, with unique backgrounds and experiences. Their shared passion for making golf accessible to all youth transcended any differences. Coaches left the training with newfound confidence. Coaches are better equipped to guide young golfers toward success, both on and off the course.

Beyond skill enhancement, the training fostered a sense of community. Coaches exchanged ideas, formed professional networks, and discovered shared goals. As they return to their local communities, they carry with them not only technical knowledge but also a support system of like-minded peers.

Ultimately, the impact extends beyond the coaches themselves. By enhancing their skills, coaches empower the next generation of golfers. First Tee’s mission—to instill life skills and core values through golf—now rests in the capable hands of these dedicated individuals. The First Tee Coach training was more than a professional development opportunity; it was a catalyst for building gamechangers.

If you would like to get involved with First Tee – Atlantic, visit our Get Involved page to learn more.

Rosie Allen and Simeon Pompey named 2023 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards

Allen wins Future Leader Award; Pompey wins Community Leader Award following submission of nominations from the Canadian golf community.

February 21, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Rosie Allen of Corner Brook, Nfld. and Simeon Pompey of Montréal, Que. have been named the 2023 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Allen and Pompey were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“We were pleased to receive so many worthy nominations from across the country recognizing the contributions of individuals who use the game of golf in a way to inspire and contribute to their community,” said Golf Canada President, David McCarthy. “Golf Canada and the Foundation are incredibly proud to celebrate Rose Allen and Simeon Pompey as our 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award recipients and I am pleased to congratulate both on this much deserved honour and thank them for their continued contributions to our sport in their communities.”

Allen has been named the recipient of the 2023 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 15-year-old has played an instrumental leadership role in helping to develop the First Tee – Canada program at her home course, Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook, Nfld. Allen has devoted her time to First Tee programming as well as helping to plan and run events for her club’s junior girls’ program. She has also been a key influence working with the Autism Society in Corner Brook on both developing and running a program for junior golfers between the ages of 5-9 with various forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Allen is an accomplished player having been a member of the provincial development team for four years and winning events in her home province. She has future goals of playing in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, and competing in the 2025 Canada Games.

“It is amazing to win this award and I’m very grateful to win something named in Lorie Kane’s honour. I was lucky enough to meet Lorie at the CPKC Women’s Open in 2019 when I was just 11 years old, and she was so nice. I hope I can inspire children in the game of golf the way she inspired me,” said Allen. “I love teaching kids and really enjoy seeing their development through the different programs that we offer. My favorite group of children are those with ASD. They are amazing kids, and it is so rewarding to watch them enjoy the game of golf and the different games we design for them. To know that I can be a part of their development is an honour.”

Pompey earned the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award for his continuous devotion to helping others in his community through the sport of golf. Pompey has been a long-time supporter of First Tee which led him to be at the heart of the program’s success in Montréal since the launch of First Tee – Premier départ Quebec in 2021.He has also played a key role in the launch of golf programming in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, on the south shore of Montréal. Pompey has been leading life-skills focused golf classes for over 15 years for children and families coming from underrepresented communities and low-income neighbourhoods in Montréal. Pompey also teaches in the Community, Recreation and Leadership Training at Dawson College, where he serves as a mentor to many of his students.

“I am still shocked to have been selected as the winner of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award for 2023. Now that it has sunken in a bit, I want to thank you all wholeheartedly for this prestigious recognition. I humbly accept the award on behalf of all the children and their families who have benefitted from the values learned through the great game of golf especially First Tee. Thanks to Golf Canada and First Tee, I have been able to introduce the game of golf to mostly inner-city children whose path in life would not have included the great game of golf and the many life-skills that it teaches,” said Simeon Pompey. “I thank Golf Canada, Golf Quebec and First Tee – Canada for this incredible honour as it validates my life’s mission of helping young people reach their true potential. Thanks to First Tee, the trajectory of a child can be changed positively in a profound way.”

Allen will received a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education, while Pompey will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of his choice.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

A call for nominations for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Want to get involved with your local First Tee chapter as a Coach? Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.

Girls Try-Golf Event a Hit at Kingswood Golf

On Wednesday, August 2nd, First Tee – Atlantic, in collaboration with She is Active NB, hosted a Girls Try-Golf Event at Kingswood Golf Course in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Bari Gourley (PGA Professional & Director of Instruction at Kingswood Golf Course) and Emily Nickerson (First Tee – Atlantic Program Coordinator) welcomed 14 girls between ages 7 and 13 for an afternoon of fun activities and an introduction to the basic fundamental skills of golf.

The 90 minute session involved a fun warm-up walk (and skipping, dancing, hop-scotching) down the cart path, a variety of fun games on the putting greens (tic-tac-toe, target practice), and opportunities to take full-swings on the driving range. The event concluded with pizza and goodie bags for all participants.

The event generated a significant amount of interest in golf amongst many of the first time golfers. Kingswood will be offering First Tee programming this fall with RBC Community Junior Golf’s support so this event helped jumpstart the recruitment process for their upcoming program.

Special thanks to RBC Community Junior Golf, Golf Canada, First Tee – Atlantic, She is Active NB, and Kingswood Golf Course for providing the opportunity for girls to try golf in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

In The News: Blomidon Golf Club wins Golf Canada’s 2023 grassroots junior program of the year

[Stephen Roberts] CORNER BROOK, N.L., April 2023 – To grow the game of golf, Wayne Allen wants every child to have the opportunity to play.

Allen, a PGA professional since the age of 20, is the head pro at the Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook.

He leads the club’s junior golfer program, which is now seeing national recognition. Earlier this month, the Blomidon Golf Club received Golf Canada’s 2023 Grassroots Junior Program of the Year. The award is presented to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

Per Golf NL, the club “offered a multitude of programs in 2022 for junior golfers ranging in age from five to 18 – including a girls club that features weekly instruction from women coaches. In addition to reserving tee times each day for juniors, Blomidon also executed a unique ‘close the course for a day’ event that catered to junior golfers and their families.”

“It’s a massive honour,” Allen tells West Coast Wire. “The membership has always been a big supporter of junior golf and I think it’s second-to-none amongst golf clubs in the country in what the membership provides to our juniors members and the opportunities they provide.”

He cites something as simple as providing two hours of tee times every morning to junior members as making a big difference. Their junior program includes a five- to nine-year-old program that allows them to practice on the putting green, the chipping green, the small driving range and the bunkers. When they turn 10, they get to play on the golf course.

There are nine coaches, many who have been through the junior program themselves.

“So, it works kind of like a mentoring system,” Allen comments.

As they pass through the program, older youth will help teach the younger students. Allen says they want to provide the students a safe and fun environment for them to enjoy their summer holidays. He adds golf also imparts life lessons.

“They’re learning things like honesty and integrity and behaviours and I think that’s critical to anybody as they learn the various life lessons that golf can provide,” he explains.

And then if they want to play competitive it provides an avenue for them to continue that trajectory.

The program commences in late June and runs seven to eight weeks.

First Tee program

In addition to the junior program, the club started offering outreach through the First Tee program last fall.

Club instructors go into local elementary schools, as part of their physical education program, with a lesson plan and go through a full curriculum of six different lessons.

“It’s phenomenal,” says Allen. “Within a city like Corner Brook, I can get a golf club in every kid’s hand. We can get every child in K to 6 to try the game of golf.”

This allows students an otherwise unavailable opportunity to determine whether they’re interested in the game of golf.

“If they enjoy it, then we can provide an outlet for them to join in our spring or summer programs,” says Allen.

According to Allen, the First Tee program focuses on providing opportunity for youth who may not have previously had the resources to join. For him, it was an eye-opening experience, as he watched children of immigrant families from places such as Ukraine, Syria, Africa and Southeast Asia try the sport.

“To see the look on their faces and their enjoyment is just so rewarding,” says Allen.

They are currently continuing the First Tee program during the school spring session.

Enjoying the game

Allen, originally from England, has played golf since the age of 10.

He moved to Newfoundland 20 years ago and has been at the Blomidon Golf Club for 18 years.

He notes one of the virtues of golf is that anybody can play it at any age: you can have three or four generations of a family all playing golf together.

“There’s not many sports where you can do that,” he says. “You can play with your children and grandparents in the same group.”

Allen says funding from RBC and Golf Canada has been critical in introducing the sport to young people, enabling them to join and participate in events at the club in the summertime.

For Allen, it’s a pleasure to see these youth get the opportunity to take up the sport he loves.

“I love what I do,” he proclaims. “I’m quite fortunate. It’s a very rewarding role that I have. And you can see it on the kids’ faces in schools and summer program when they get the opportunity to play golf. It’s a lot of fun.”

To learn more about the Blomidon Golf Club visit blomidongolf.com or the Blomidon Golf Facebook page.

This article originally appeared here: https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/sports/blomidon-golf-club-wins-golf-canadas-2023-grassroots-junior-program-of-the-year-100841482/