Football Canada and Football Alberta congratulate Coach Jim Skitsko on his new role with the Edmonton Elks as Ambassador to Amateur Football
Football Canada and Football Alberta extend their heartfelt congratulations to Coach Jim Skitsko on his appointment as the Edmonton Elks’ Ambassador to Amateur Football. This new role marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between professional and amateur football in Canada, reinforcing the importance of dedicated leadership to uplift the sport at every level.
Coach Skitsko’s legacy in amateur football is unparalleled. Beginning his tenure with the Sherwood Park Rams Bantam Football Program in 1996, Skitsko transformed the team from a struggling program into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Rams reached 19 Capital District League finals over 23 seasons, capturing 13 league championships and nine Provincial Tier I titles, including an extraordinary unbeaten streak from 2003 to 2006. Beyond these achievements, Skitsko’s dedication to fostering community spirit and player development has been instrumental in establishing Sherwood Park as a national hub for football excellence. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Football Alberta Hall of Fame in 2020.
“Professional teams like the storied Edmonton Elks play a pivotal role in supporting amateur football,” said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada. “Having someone with Coach Skitsko’s experience and passion working directly with the Elks to enhance these connections ensures that the sport’s future in Canada remains bright. His efforts will not only promote the game but also provide critical opportunities for young athletes and coaches to grow.”
In addition to his coaching accolades, Skitsko’s impact extends far beyond the field. As a tireless advocate for education, he spearheaded initiatives to provide annual bursaries to former Rams players pursuing post-secondary education. This program has supported more than 200 alumni to date, further showcasing his commitment to the holistic development of his athletes.
Skitsko’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, recognizing his contributions to amateur football and his unwavering service to his community. In 2020, he was inducted into the Football Alberta Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures in the province.
In his new role with the Edmonton Elks, Skitsko will focus on strengthening connections between the CFL team and amateur football organizations, including Football Alberta and Football Canada. “Jim Skitsko has a long history of excellence at the amateur level of football in Alberta,” said Tim Enger, Executive Director of Football Alberta. “He understands how things work with our programs, and we’re excited to see how he can better our sport through collaboration with the Elks and all of our teams in Northern Alberta.” His mandate includes promoting community service initiatives, supporting youth development programs, and helping allocate resources like 50-50 proceeds to support amateur football programs.
“Jim’s deep understanding of amateur football makes him the perfect choice for this role,” said Chris Morris, Edmonton Elks President and CEO told Michael Arcuri for goelks.com. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the Elks family and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our community and the game as a whole.”
Football Canada and Football Alberta celebrate this well deserved milestone in Coach Skitsko’s journey and look forward to collaborating with him to inspire the next generation of Albertan football players, coaches, and fans. His appointment is a testament to the power of mentorship and the vital role professional teams play in nurturing the grassroots level of the sport.
About Football Alberta
Football Alberta is the provincial sport governing body for amateur football in Alberta, overseeing the development and growth of the sport across the province. With a commitment to fostering participation at all levels, Football Alberta supports athletes, coaches, and officials through a wide range of programs and initiatives, from grassroots leagues to elite competitions. By promoting teamwork, discipline, and community engagement, Football Alberta continues to build a strong foundation for the future of football in Alberta.
About Football Canada
Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada. Founded in 1884, it aims to foster and grow participation in the sport across all levels and communities while providing development opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials. Football Canada is committed to delivering positive football experiences that enhance the physical, social, and emotional well-being of participants.
About the Edmonton Elks
The Edmonton Elks are a proud member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), representing Edmonton and surrounding communities. Committed to excellence both on and off the field, the Elks strive to make a positive impact through community engagement, youth programs, and partnerships that promote the growth of football across all levels.
For more information, please contact:
Jim Nahrebeski
Marketing Director
Football Alberta
Marketing@FootballAlberta.ab.ca
Braydon Stachel
Marketing and Communications Manager
Football Canada
BStachel@FootballCanada.com
