FROM GRASSROOTS TO GOLD: FOOTBALL CANADA AND IT’S 10 PSO’S WELCOME NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CFL TO GROW THE GAME NATIONWIDE 

Ottawa, ON – November 13, 2025 – Football Canada is proud to join the Canadian Football League and the country’s ten Provincial Sport Organizations in a landmark partnership designed to expand access, participation, and excellence in football across Canada. 

This collaboration strengthens the sport’s foundation at every level and strengthens provincial and national pathways that connect grassroots athletes to Team Canada. 

“This partnership helps unite our football community in Canada,” said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada. “From grassroots to high performance, this alignment ensures that young players have more opportunities to learn, play, and excel, and that our athletes have the support and resources they need as we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Together, we’re building a sustainable and inclusive future for football in Canada.” 

These partnerships will facilitate connecting grassroots and competitive flag football through the delivery of Provincial Club Flag Championships hosted at CFL venues. These events will create a tangible link between community-level athletes and the professional stage, inspiring the next generation of players while strengthening the sport’s national infrastructure. 

“We’re thrilled to work with the CFL to engage more young Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Aaron Geisler, CEO of Football Ontario and Chair of the Football PSO Executive Council. “The possibilities ahead for development, training and promotion across all our levels of competition will strengthen not only provincial teams, but also Canada’s standing as a football nation.” 

The CFL will also become a Founding Partner of Football Canada’s Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s National Flag Teams, leveraging league facilities, relationships, and visibility to support national team operations as the programs prepare for the debut of flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games.  Beyond the field, the partnership will see the league highlighted at all Football Canada Flag events as well as assisting in the sale of associated sponsorship opportunities. 

“Our focus is on building a strong Team Canada that will represent our country proudly as we prepare for the IFAF World Flag Championships in August 2026,” added McDonald. “This partnership puts us in a strong position to capitalize on this tremendous moment for flag football but we’re also looking at the bigger picture. Beyond 2028, we’re laying the groundwork for continued success and development as Canadian football players proudly work to represent our country.” 

Through this collaboration, Football Canada will continue to lead and work with our Membership on the strategic development of the sport nationwide, ensuring that every child, athlete, coach, and official has the opportunity to experience the game and reach their full potential. 

Media Contact: 

Braydon Stachel 
Marketing and Communications Manager 
Football Canada 
BStachel@FootballCanada.com