Former Winnipeg football coach sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault

A disgraced former Winnipeg High School football coach convicted of sexual assault and enticement will spend 20 years behind bars.

There was silence in the Manitoba courtroom Monday as sheriffs led Kelsey McKay away to begin serving his sentence. McKay avoided eye contact with survivors of his crimes.

The 54-year-old man pleaded guilty in July 2023 to nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of enticement.

“Mr. McKay abused children for his own pleasure. “There is no excuse for what he did and there is no cure for the havoc he caused,” said Provincial Judge Raymond Wyant in a lengthy ruling was read out in court.

He sentenced McKay to a total sentence of 54 years, which was reduced to 20 years in prison.

McKay was a prominent figure in the Winnipeg soccer community as a coach and physical education teacher at Churchill High School and Vincent Massey Collegiate.

The court heard McKay used his “significant power” in the community and his position of trust – he was described as a “father figure” – to lure and sexually assault his victims.

Due to a publication ban, the victims cannot be identified.

“You have broken this sacred bond of trust. They took advantage of that trust. You exploited young, vulnerable children for your own self and selfish gratification,” Wyant said, adding that McKay psychologically manipulated his victims and used fear to ensure their silence.

“You used vulnerability to your advantage in your twisted game. Shame on you, Mr. McKay. Shame on you.”

The court heard McKay’s victims were aged between 13 and 18 at the time of the attacks. Many of them told the court that they suffered from mental health problems, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts after the attacks. One victim died by suicide shortly after speaking to police.

Wyant said McKay’s crimes would have a lifelong and life-changing impact on those who survived.

“Like a thief, Mr. McKay stole their innocence and their childhood. Like a murderer, Mr. McKay murdered a part of her soul and being. And Mr. McKay can never repay the debt for what he stole,” Wyant said.

Speaking to the survivors, some of whom were in the courtroom Monday, Wyant said what happened to them was not their fault.

“You were children. You were blameless. You put your trust in the hands of someone you saw as a friend, as a mentor, as a teacher, as a coach, as someone who is larger than life for you,” he said. “It is my sincere hope that each and every one of you and your families play an important role in your healing journey today.”

McKay’s defense had asked for a sentence of 13 years and three months, while the Crown had asked for a sentence of 25 years. Wyant said while he agreed with the Crown’s ruling, he noted it did not take into account McKay’s admission of guilt, a mitigating factor.

This ultimately led to him receiving the sentence of 20 years. The sentence includes a mandatory DNA and sex offender registration order, as well as other prohibitions such as an order banning McKay from ever contacting the victims, ever attending a school or community center, and prohibiting her from seeking employment or volunteering to operate with children aged 16 years old or younger.