CFL selects nine participants for Women in Football internship program

Graphic courtesy: CFL.ca

The Canadian Football League has named nine new participants for its Women in Football Program.

For the second year in a row, each CFL club will welcome one additional woman to join its football operations department for approximately four weeks, including training camp from May 14 to June 3. In addition to the practical experience gained through the internship, title sponsor KPMG LLP will offer additional business-related mentorship to those selected.

“We thank KPMG for making this program possible and to our participants, I’d like to extend the warmest of welcomes to our CFL family,” commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement.

“We’re building towards a future where our great game is more diverse and inclusive. We’re still learning, but we’re committed to improving and evolving our program to better serve women and the Canadian football community.”

Two participants from the program’s inaugural season in 2022 were hired full-time by their clubs following the internship. Elisha Torraville joined the Edmonton Elks as manager of football operations and Paige Ottaviano became the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ manager of Grey Cup Festival and events.

“We’re delighted to welcome these nine women to the second year of the program,” KPMG managing partner Ruth Todd said in a statement. “Women have a place in football, much like they have a place in business, in leadership and in all aspects of life. This mentorship program aligns with our KPMG values and we are proud to work with the CFL to offer opportunities for women in Canadian football.”

The full list of this year’s participants can be found below.

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY KPMG – 2023 COHORT

(Team: Name | Area of focus | Hometown)

• Montreal: Sabrina Plamondon | Football Operations | Montreal
• Ottawa: Sonia Rodi | Coaching | Gatineau, Que.
• Toronto: Sara Sherstobitoff | Football Operations | Toronto
• Hamilton: Emily Todd | Football Operations | Kitchener, Ont.
• Winnipeg: Erin Craig | Coaching | Halifax
• Saskatchewan: Claire Dore | Coaching | Regina
• Calgary: Tatrina Medvescek | Coaching | Okotoks, Alta.
• Edmonton: Shaylee Foord | Football Operations | Edmonton
• BC: Jay Starecki | Equipment Management | Saskatoon