Three Oaks Foundation brings Coaching Boys Into Men Program to Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

A new program aimed at preventing gender-based violence is making its way into local fields and locker rooms across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

The Three Oaks Foundation recently launched Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) locally, training 17 coaches from 10 sports organizations during its first Coaches’ Clinic, which was held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 in Belleville.

According to Natalie O’Toole, Three Oaks Foundation Community Relations Manager, the initiative equips coaches with practical real-world tools to lead conversations about healthy relationships, consent, respect, and bystander intervention. The target audience for these conversations are male athletes between the ages of 12 and 18. 

While their organization is widely known for supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence, Three Oaks believes engaging men and boys in the conversation is an essential part of preventing violence before it occurs. By encouraging respectful relationships from a young age, CBIM aims to address the attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to violence and abuse while dating later in life. 

According to Three Oaks, research has shown the CBIM program can improve positive bystander behaviour among male athletes, while reducing abuse perpetration.

The evidence-based program is designed to help coaches incorporate short, structured conversations throughout regular practices during the season. Rather than hosting separate workshops, the discussions are meant to become part of the team’s routine, encouraging athletes to think critically about respect, healthy relationships, and the role they can play in preventing violence, explains O’Toole.

Three Oaks says the CBIM program teaches young athletes how to recognize harmful behaviours toward women and girls, guides them on how to intervene safely when they witness inappropriate behaviour, and encourage them to better understand their influence as leaders within their teams and communities.

Three Oaks says bringing the program to Hastings and Prince Edward Counties comes at an important time, as communities throughout the region continue to experience high rates of gender-based violence. The inaugural Coaches’ Clinic in Belleville brought together coaches representing a variety of sports organizations from across the region, including the Belleville Minor Hockey Association, Quinte Red Devils and Prince Edward County Kings.

During the two-hour session, participants received training that prepares them to implement the program directly with their athletes throughout the upcoming season. 

Three Oaks says last week’s clinic is just the beginning. Additional Coaches’ Clinics will be offered across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, with training available to coaches, sports organizations and schools interested in bringing the program to their teams. 

To learn more or sign up for an upcoming Coaches’ Clinic, contact Natalie O’Toole at natalieo@threeoaks.ca or 613-967-1416 ext. 200.