NFL Canada has partnered with Football Ontario to launch a new community initiative, NFL Forward Pass, in support of football culture in Canada.
The initiative was launched on Saturday, May 27 at an Ontario Summer Football League event in Etobicoke, with two more OSFL events scheduled for inclusion on June 10 in Peel and June 17 in Scarborough. The NFL will also have a presence at the NCAFA Provincial Flag Championship in Ottawa on June 24 and 25.
“By bringing the thrill of the NFL directly to our local communities, we’re not just cultivating skills and love for the game, we’re building a shared spirit of community, teamwork, and football for all that extends far beyond the field,” executive director of Football Ontario, Aaron Geisler, said in a statement.
“This new partnership fosters connection between sports stakeholders and communities. We’re excited for what lies ahead and are confident that this initiative will continue to grow the Canadian football landscape, providing unprecedented opportunities for our youth to engage, learn, and grow with the sport we all love.”
At each event, NFL Canada will support Football Ontario with an engaging fan experience that includes interactive games and photo opportunities, like making your own digital playing card. All team players on the day will receive an NFL kit including swag like a water bottle, gloves, towel and Wilson football.
In addition, NFL Canada has made a $25,000 donation to Football Ontario’s new 50/50 mega raffle, with proceeds going to support teams across the province.
“We are excited to bring this new programming, made just for Canadian youth, to the market to help invigorate the passion of local fans and bring to life experiences that only the NFL can deliver,” managing director of NFL Canada, David Thomson, said as part of the announcement.
“Football Ontario and NFL Canada have a shared vision around engaging and inspiring more young people to play or be a part of the sport, which is essential to the growth of the game in Canada. We look forward to expanding NFL Forward Pass nationally in the years ahead.”
Early last month, NFL Canada struck a landmark partnership with Football Canada to help deliver youth participation programs to boys and girls between eight and 12 years of age, coaching clinics, growth in women’s football, flag football, programs for underserved communities, and strengthen player pathways to international competition.
