CFL FUTURES TO PAVE THE PATH FOR YOUTH LEARNING TO PLAY FOOTBALL

2020 program unveiled by Football Canada and CFL

CALGARY, AB (November 21, 2019) –Football Canada and the Canadian Football League (CFL) are pleased to announce CFL Futures – a new program for youth aged 8-13 which provides young Canadians with a chance to learn the basics of the sport from knowledgeable coaches and volunteers in a fun and inclusive environment. This initiative will drive the growth of youth participation while deepening the roots of the game across the country.

“This is the start of what we hope will be a series of partnerships between the CFL and Football Canada to advance the state of the game,” said Football Canada president Jim Mullin. “This initiative will provide national leadership and a gateway for youth to experience all our game has to offer.” 

CFL Futures will introduce football to youth in a safe, low-cost and fun manner. The initiative will strengthen community relations by teaching volunteers to deliver youth programming, while allowing parents the opportunity to volunteer and become more active in their children’s physical education.

“It’s so important for us as a football community to come together and provide a well-structured grassroots program to help the next generation build invaluable life skills, exercise and develop relationships on and off the field,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.  

Based upon the Sport Canada Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, CFL Futures will be comprised of hour-long sessions for eight weeks to teach young players to properly and safely play football in a non-contact environment.

“Leadership, teamwork, and accountability are just a few of the benefits and life-lessons that I’ve learned from playing this wonderful game,” explained Football Canada Board Member and Canadian Football Hall of Fame member Geroy Simon. “I couldn’t be more excited for this partnership between Football Canada and the CFL as we grow the game at the grassroots level and bring more awareness to our amazing sport”

Organizations are invited to begin creating events at cflfutures.com and following the official program launch in spring 2020, individuals will be able to start registering. The website also offers the CFL Futures App which includes additional information, fun activities from Football Canada’s LTAD model and the chance to win prizes through the CFL Futures Skill Challenge competition.

About Football Canada

Established in 1884, Football Canada is the national governing body of amateur football in Canada and a proud member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Working closely with the provincial football associations, we develop programs and resources for players, coaches, officials in the three disciplines of Tackle, Flag and Touch Football. Football Canada’s vision statement is “from playground to stadium” where players can participate in the game of football throughout a lifetime recreationally, competitively and internationally.