Football Canada announces first set of Under-19 National Team players

Football Canada has announced the first set of players which will be part of the national under-19 team that will participate at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas this upcoming January.

So far, the roster consists of 37 players and come from Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.

“I am very excited that our first 37 players are being announced,” commented Under-19 National Head Coach Steve Sumarah. “I think it’s a great step in the right direction, having this many players committed just speaks to the excitement that this program is creating.”

Overall, the selection of this roster came from a combination of the two teams that competed at the 2017 North American Championship in Orlando, Florida as well as talent that was identified from coast-to-coast.

Of the 37 players, 20 are returning from the 2017 Under-19 National Team while 17 are first timers.

With this composition of the team, Sumarah believes it is a perfect balance and is ecstatic about the potential this team already possesses heading into January’s event.

“Looking at the names on this list, there are a lot of returning players that played in last year’s International Bowl and some new faces,” added Sumarah.  “This is going to be one of the strongest teams that we have been able to put together.”

“I am excited as are the other coaches to have the opportunity to work with these players going forward and hope that these guys give a really good showing at AT&T Stadium in Dallas Texas.”

An announcement will be made at a later date for the remaining players to complete the roster for the 2018 International Bowl.