Three youth football programs in Canada will receive $25,000 from the NFL. (ID 75206810 © Danny Raustadt | Dreamstime.com)

By Austin Mattes

NFL Forward Pass and Way to Play

NFL is giving Canadian youth football programs a chance to earn funding

Sep 28, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The NFL is giving back to youth football players, coaches and community members in Canada by giving a chance to earn funding through its Way to Play and Forward Pass programs.

NFL Way to Play is a program that is designed to help fund Canadian high school and CEGEP tackle football programs. They are giving high school football players across Canada a chance to receive a $3,000 equipment grant for their team and the opportunity to have their play shown on TSN.ca and in a special segment during NFL games on CTV. Players and their supporters are asked to submit videos and highlights of them demonstrating proper tackling, blocking, foot work, discipline or vision, and each week, one submitted video will be chosen to be featured.

Players can be nominated through the official NFL Canada Way to Play Award submission form here.

“This is the fourth year of NFL Way to Play, and it has already contributed $90,000 directly into our high school and CEGEP football programs,” said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director, Football Canada. “Being recognized by the NFL during broadcasts is a tremendous thrill for the players, and we want to spread the word to all high school and CEGEP programs about this amazing opportunity to give their teams a boost. All it takes is one uploaded video.”

NFL Forward Pass is a brand-new program that was created to promote community level youth (U18) tackle or flag football across the country, while helping to remove barriers, so that every child has a chance to play football.

NFL Forward Pass and Way to Play

NFL is giving Canadian youth football programs a chance to earn funding

3h ago

Unmarked Graves

Eight potential graves found near site of former George Gordon First Nation residential school

4h ago

Suspicious death

Man injured in assault on MSFN dies in hospital, police searching for suspect

4h ago

Football programs across the country will have the opportunity to receive a grant of $25,000 to support the growth and development of their program. To be nominated for potential funding, players, coaches, officials or community members are asked to show how much of an impact a donation from the NFL would help their program. Three winners will be selected (one from Western Canada, one from Ontario, and one from Quebec/Eastern Canada) to receive the $25,000 grant, so that they can continue build on their local football programs.

“We’re thrilled about the all-new NFL Forward Pass program,” said Tara Chetkowski, Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement, NFL Canada. “Community football programs rally local fans and inspire character, leadership, resiliency and teamwork. We see these values every time we visit football communities in Canada and are looking forward to contributing to the growth of these important programs.”

Each NFL Forward Pass grant winner will also be awarded a celebratory on-the-ground visit from the NFL, including an exclusive tailgate experience, giveaways, and a formal presentation of the $25,000 cheque.

Submissions will be accepted at the official NFL Forward Pass website here until December 31, 2024.

—

cjnb-news@pattisonmedia.com