Start a NICA team

Teams are where NICA comes to life through practices, mentorship, community events, and shared experiences on local trails.

Start a team and we’ll provide you with:

• A clear, step‑by‑step process to create a local team
• Guidance from NICA Canada and League Directors
• Coach education and training
• Insurance, policies, and operational support included

Within Ontario and Quebec, NICA teams can be started by anyone who wants to bring the power of cycling to young people in their community, including parents, educators, community leaders, and volunteers.

If you are located outside Ontario or Quebec, we encourage you to share your interest. Future expansion will occur through partnerships with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations as new regions are developed.

Coach a team

NICA coaches are trained volunteers who create fun, inclusive mountain bike experiences that help kids build confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of riding. With training, resources, and support from NICA Canada, you’ll be ready to coach with purpose and make a real impact on and off the bike. We welcome anyone who shares NICA’s mission and values to join us as a coach!

• Are athlete-centred: they prioritize the safety and well-being of riders.
• Inspire: they help kids chase their best selves and are awesome role models.
• Bring the energy: they motivate, encourage and make every team experience a blast!
• Are team-focused: they communicate, collaborate and keep it positive.
• Live out NICA’s values: they’re fun, inclusive, fair, respectful and all about community.

NICA Coach Education & training

NICA’s high-quality coach training equips volunteers to confidently lead and create amazing experiences for youth mountain biking teams. NICA’s coach education follows best practices in long-term athlete development to provide valuable, relevant, and inspiring education for coaches.

NICA Coaches can be licensed at three levels, each with different roles  and responsibilities for their teams:

• Level 1 – General volunteer, ride sweep and assistant to ride leaders and the head coach.
• Level 2 – Ride Leader and skills instructor, assistant coach and supporting team operations.
• Level 3 – Head Coach, Team Director, Coach Mentor, skills instructor and ride leader.

Already a coach with Cycling Canada or PMBIA? You’ve got a head-start! Learn how your coaching credentials align with NICA coaching levels here.

Volunteer & support

Not everyone needs to ride to make an impact. NICA volunteers help create positive experiences for youth riders, support local teams, and strengthen cycling communities across Canada. Volunteer roles may include:

• Practice or ride support
• Team organization and administration
• Event support
• Trail stewardship initiatives

Volunteering is a great way to contribute while learning more about the NICA community.

Partner with NICA

NICA is building a youth mountain biking movement rooted in belonging, development, and lifelong participation in cycling. As we launch programming across Canada, sponsor support makes it possible for more young people to access safe, inclusive, team-based cycling experiences.

Partner support reduces barriers to participation, supports training for coaches, launches local teams, and strengthens cycling communities nationwide.

We partner with organizations that share our values and want to make a meaningful, measurable impact on youth, families, and healthy, active communities.