Meet Team PEI 2026 Apprentice Coach, Jason Pereira

May 08, 2026

Jason Pereira started volunteering with Special Olympics 3 years after the company he works for, Sekisui Diagnosis, entered a team in motionball PEI's Marathon of Sport. He started volunteering with Charlottetown's Floor Hockey and Bowling programs.

My first Monday night at Floor Hockey was like motionball had never finished. I got carried way into it. All of athletes were also so into it, and competitive in such a respectful way. It made me want to keep coming back, which I did, and will continue to do.

Jason Pereira, Team PEI 2026 Apprentice Coach

Jason, who's family is Portuguese, grew up with soccer all around. He played when he was younger, and continued playing in some men's leagues later on. Jason talks about how soccer was all consuming at times. Jason explains, "My family's team was Blue. There were two other top teams for Portugal, who were Green and Red. We were allowed to wear Blue at home, and Green was ok because it was my Grandmother's team. We were not allowed to wear Red."

Soccer coach shaking hands with an athlete following a game

Since I have started coaching with Team PEI 2026 I have seen nothing but progress. There is a feeling of accomplishment that comes across every time we meet. Everyone is learning and trying their best, and doing a great job. Some athletes might not have lots of soccer background, and they have come to Special Olympics, and have learned skills like kicking and dribbling. The team is so helpful and inclusive of everyone.

Jason Pereira, Team PEI 2026 Soccer Apprentice Coach

Special Olympics Canada's NextGen Coach Apprenticeship Program provides coach development opportunities for new Special Olympics coaches. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 will be Jason's first time coaching with Special Olympics at a National event. The Apprenticeship Program connects newer coaches with a local Mentor. The National group, which Jason calls a "welcoming community", gets together regularly for calls, giving Apprentices and Mentors the chance to learn from each other's experiences. The group will also have the opportunity to connect in person in Medicine Hat this summer.

Jason's Mentor is Team PEI 2026 Soccer's Head Coach, Kieran Goodwin. Kieran brings a wealth of knowledge, from both Special Olympics and generic Soccer.

It's really great to be able to hang out with Kieran and chat. We are both so into sports. On Wednesday's, we are already planning Sunday's practice. Kieran is really good at organizing. When it comes time for practices, we always know exactly what we are doing. He has a good sense of what we can expect, and how to get the best out of each athlete.

Jason Pereira, Team PEI 2026 Soccer Apprentice Coach

I would consider Jason more than a coach, or mentee, but a friend as well. We have really grown together, and I couldn't imagine the program without him as a coach. Along with Larry and Mel (Team PEI 2026 Soccer's Assistant Coaches), we are a great team together. We are always bouncing ideas off of each other, and he makes coaching easy and fun. His energy is very contagious, and the athletes and I build off of it. His love for the game and his athletes is real, and it shows every time he steps onto the pitch, whether it is a game or practice.

Kieran Goodwin, Team PEI Soccer Head Coach

Since joining Special Olympics, Jason has always been a strong advocate of the benefits to volunteering. He got involved to give back "to a community that inspires so much strength and resilience" and is quick to encourage others to do the same.

If someone is wondering how to give back to the community, to be more inclusive, and meet new people - volunteer with Special Olympics. Get out there, meet new people. You will be surprised by the amazing community that is Special Olympics. It is very rewarding, and I am very grateful to have started volunteering 3 years ago.

Jason Pereira, Team PEI 2026 Soccer Apprentice Coach

Volunteer Today

Special Olympics PEI offers many volunteer positions to suit all individuals. If you have a love of sport and helping others, then we have something for you.