Big Connections Foundation

Big feelings.
Real skills.
Real growth.

A registered nonprofit using the power of sport to build emotional regulation, resilience, and belonging in children, youth, and the coaches who serve them — across the Greater Toronto Area.

Bounce Back
Built on
CASEL SEL Framework Trauma-Informed Practice RSW-Designed Curriculum Child Development Research

What we do

Our programs

Two distinct programs — one for students, one for coaches — built on the same clinical foundation.

Program 01
For Schools · Grades 1–8

Bounce Back

A 6-week psychoeducational program that teaches emotional regulation, resilience, and teamwork through basketball. Trauma-informed, CASEL-aligned, and delivered by a Registered Social Worker alongside SEL-trained coaches.

  • 6 weekly 1-hour sessions for Grades 1–5 and 6–8
  • Emotion-themed basketball activities every session
  • Student pre/post assessments + staff feedback
  • Parent & caregiver take-home toolkit weekly
  • End-of-program debrief with growth summary
Bring Bounce Back to your school →
Program 02
For Coaches · Any Sport

The Emotionally Intelligent Coach

A half-day professional development workshop giving youth sport coaches the science and practical tools to use sport intentionally as an emotional growth environment. Not softer kids — more coachable kids.

  • 3.5 hours · up to 20 coaches · any sport, any level
  • The science of athlete behaviour under pressure
  • 5 practical tools coaches use at their next practice
  • Pre/post coach evaluation included
  • Peer accountability built into the session
Book a workshop →

Making real impact in every session

Every program we deliver is measured, documented, and designed to show results.

87%
of students showed improved emotional awareness
91%
reported feeling more connected to peers
94%
of coaches increased confidence in athlete emotional support
89%
of coaches used a new tool within one week
120+
students reached across GTA communities
40+
coaches completed the Emotionally Intelligent Coach workshop
200+
families reached through take-home toolkit
96%
of coaches would recommend the workshop

Projected program outcomes based on piloted cohorts. Data updated as programs are delivered.

Get in touch

Ready to partner?

Whether you're a school, sport organization, funder, or family — we'd love to hear from you.

Big Connections Foundation is actively partnering with schools, sport organizations, funders, and families across the Greater Toronto Area. Reach out to explore how we can work together.

📍
Location
Greater Toronto Area, Ontario