Quebec and Alberta Capture U16 Regional Challenge Titles in the East and West

Canada’s top young football talent competed last week at the U16 Regional Challenges in the East and West, hosted by Football Canada in collaboration with its provincial member associations. The competitions, which featured eight teams from across the country, concluded on July 5 with the championship games.

Quebec Wins the U16 East Regional Challenge

Hosted by Football Québec, the East Regional Challenge featured teams from Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Ontario won its placement game against Nova Scotia by a score of 20-2, while Quebec secured a convincing 54-0 victory over New Brunswick.

In the bronze medal game, Nova Scotia completed a remarkable comeback against New Brunswick. After trailing 12-7 at halftime, Nova Scotia scored 34 unanswered points to earn a 41-12 victory. Will Black (#5) and Marshall Potter (#24) were named Players of the Game for Nova Scotia, while Owen Breen (#1) and Chase Schott (#21) received the honours for New Brunswick.

Quebec captured the gold medal with a 34-0 victory over Ontario. Quebec’s defensive unit delivered a dominant performance, forcing four interceptions throughout the game. Benjamin Chabot Gale (#6) and Olivier Audet (#21) were named Players of the Game for Quebec, while Ethan Huen (#19) and Dominic Trapasso (#10) earned the honours for Ontario.

Alberta Triumphs at the U16 West Regional Challenge

Hosted by Football Manitoba, the West Regional Challenge featured teams from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.

In the placement games, Saskatchewan shut out British Columbia 57-0, while Alberta defeated Manitoba 46-0.

Manitoba went on to capture the bronze medal with a 20-0 victory over British Columbia. James Cockriell (#14) and Laban Carrière-Spence (#53), who recorded four tackles and two sacks, were named Players of the Game for Manitoba. Riley Christiansen (#21) and Antonio Ardron (#33) received the honours for British Columbia.

In the championship game, Alberta earned the gold medal with a 34-8 victory over Saskatchewan. Quarterback Davin Bankebabone (#10) and Elijah Friesen (#64) were named Players of the Game for Alberta, while Ashton Houmphanh (#32) and Caiden Czerniak (#44), who recorded eight tackles, received the honours for Saskatchewan.

The U16 Regional Challenges represent an important step in the development of young Canadian athletes, providing them with the opportunity to compete at a high level and continue their progression through Canada’s top football development programs. 

The participating provinces will meet again at the 2026 Canada Cup, which will take place from July 11–20 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the nation’s best U18 provincial teams will once again compete to be crowned national champions.