High school football teams are getting a boost onto the field next season with support from a new partnership called “Back in the Game” by the Canadian Football League and Nissan Canada.
The program will support school football teams with funding, equipment, playing field improvements, training materials, and support to 21 teams across Canada including eight in Ontario that have been identified as programs in need.
Ontario high schools selected are;
Clarkson Secondary School in Mississauga
Downsview Secondary School in Toronto
Newtonbrook Secondary School in Toronto
Bowmanville High School in Bowmanville
Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in Scarborough
St. Catherine’s Collegiate in St. Catherine’s
Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School in Hamilton
And one more school TBA from Ottawa
Select teams will be featured in webisodes tracking the progress of the student-athletes throughout their campaign, that will lead up to a 30-minute documentary at the end of the season.
“Getting kids off the couch and playing sports is important for all Canadians. The lessons and social skills learned through sport and specifically football are invaluable to children and teenagers,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner, Canadian Football League. “We can help revitalize football programs across the country where needed, and give those students the opportunity to get on the field, be a part of a team and have fun playing our great game.”
Additional funding for high school sports will help schools field a team that had struggled in the past, and provide opportunities for more students to participate if they had been restricted by cost before. Kudos to the “Back in the Game” program for providing this opportunity to student-athletes!
