Kacey Neely

Kacey Neely — Director of Safe Sport at Gymnastics Canada

Director

Kacey Neely is a dedicated leader and advocate for positive, inclusive, and safe sport communities. She is currently the Director of Safe Sport at Gymnastics Canada. Kacey completed her PhD in Sport Psychology in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta before completing a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Comprehensive School Health in the School of Public Health at the U of A.

She was an Assistant Professor in Sport Psychology in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University of Stirling, in Stirling, Scotland. After 5 years however, her passion for impact in sport led her to her current leadership position within the Canadian sport section.

Her research focused on providing positive sport experiences and the psycho-social dynamics within youth sport. Kacey had a particular interest in the development and transfer of sport skills through youth sport programs, with one highlight of developing a basketball and life skill program for underserved children in Kenya.

In her role with Gymnastics Canada, Kacey leads the development and implementation of the Safer and Stronger Safe Sport Strategy, ensuring policies and practices support a culture of trust and safety, putting athletes’ safety and wellbeing at the forefront.

Kacey has a strong background in sport administration, policy and program development, and evidence-based decision-making, and brings a unique skill set from research and practice. She is deeply committed to Free Play’s mission to ensure that every child, regardless of financial or social circumstances, has the opportunity to participate in sport.

As a new member of the Board of Directors, Kacey seeks to contribute her expertise in sport safety, positive youth development, and organizational leadership to help advance Free Play’s vision of community empowerment through sport.