The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Junior Championship is set to return in 2024 following a six-year hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will be held in Edmonton, Alta. from June 20 to 30 with seven under-20 teams participating from around the globe: Canada, United States, Japan, Austria, Australia, Panama, and Brazil. An eighth spot remains open for application.
“The trust placed in us by our community and government partners is immense,” said tournament co-chair Tim Enger in a statement. “We are committed to delivering an unprecedented world-class event for IFAF, drawing the eyes of the world to our city like never before.”
The most recent tournament occurred in 2018 at Estadio Olimpico in Mexico City. Canada won the gold medal game over the host country in front of a crowd of over 35,000, which remains an IFAF record.
Team Canada’s roster for the tournament six years ago included a number of players who have gone on to achieve success in U Sports and the CFL, including reigning Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian Tyson Philpot, reigning Hec Crighton Trophy winner Jonathan Sénécal, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore, B.C. Lions’ linebacker Ben Hladik, and top 2024 CFL Draft prospect Kevin Mital.
“The U20 World Championship represents the pinnacle of global football,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “With the Edmonton team’s meticulous two-year preparation, we expect to elevate the standard for IFAF events to new heights.”
IFAF has over 70 member nations across five continents and is fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
