Former student sues school division over alleged sexual assault by football coach

A former student is suing a Winnipeg school division, alleging it failed to protect him from years of sexual abuse by a disgraced football coach.

A former student is suing the Pembina Trails School Division, alleging it failed to protect him from years of sexual abuse by a Winnipeg football coach and physical education teacher now serving a 20-year prison sentence.

A statement of claim filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench alleges the school division was negligent, breached its fiduciary duty, and is liable for the conduct of former coach Kelsey McKay.

The plaintiff, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, attended Institut Collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate between 2014 and 2018 and was a member of the school’s varsity football team, the filing says.

According to the claim, McKay used his position as both the head coach and physical education teacher to gain the plaintiff’s trust before subjecting him to what the document describes as sexual assault, psychological abuse, grooming, manipulation, and harassment.

The alleged conduct began in 2014 and continued until approximately 2021. According to the suit, the coach messaged and met with the plaintiff for the purposes of sexual exploitation and disclosing his own sexual preferences.

Before the student graduated in 2018, parents raised concerns about McKay’s behaviour with principals, vice principals, and school division employees, the claim says. It alleges those complaints were “inadequately addressed” by the school division, “thereby permitting McKay to continue to engage in his inappropriate behaviour and exposing subsequent students and players to exploitation, harassment and abuse.”

McKay pleaded guilty in July 2023 to nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of luring and was sentenced in October 2024 to 20 years in prison. The charges related to students at both Vincent Massey and Churchill High School between 2003 and 2017.

“(Pembina Trails School Division) failed to take all necessary precautions in evaluating McKay’s propensity to engage in the inappropriate behaviour and other abusive behaviour thereby neglecting the overall safety of students and players,” the filing states.

The claim alleges McKay carried out the abuse while performing his duties as a teacher and coach, “using that position and the opportunity, power and trust” it provided to manipulate the former student.

It also claims the school division was negligent and failed to supervise McKay and provide students, players, and parents with a sufficient system for reporting abuse of authority.

The filing further argues Pembina Trails should have known McKay had the propensity for such behaviour, pointing to concerns that had been raised by others, his “difficulties with his sexuality,” the “unusual interest” he took in team members, and his frequency with students in off-field and out-of-school settings.

The former student says he has suffered humiliation, depression, sleep disturbance, and an impaired ability to earn income as a result of the abuse. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages, including aggravated and punitive damages, as well as legal costs.

In August 2025, a separate statement of claim was filed by three former students against the school division, alleging it was liable for McKay’s inappropriate behaviour against them.

CTV News could not reach McKay for comment, who is not listed as a defendant in the suit.

A spokesperson for Pembina Trails School Division said the division is aware of the filing but would not comment as the matter is before the courts.

None of the allegations have been tested in court, and no statement of defence has been filed.

RELATED STORIES:

• Disgraced former Winnipeg football coach sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault
• Winnipeg police lay more charges against football coach after former student comes forward
• Winnipeg high school football coach charged with alleged sexual assaults: police

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If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.