NFL Canada has unveiled their three inaugural NFL Forward Pass recipients.
North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Peel Panthers Football in Brampton, Ontario and Howard S. Billings High School Football Team in Châteauguay, Quebec will each receive a $25,000 donation from NFL Canada to help remove barriers and support the growth of football in their community
NFL Forward Pass, a new initiative from NFL Canada, is designed to promote community-level youth (U18) tackle and flag football across the country while making the sport more accessible to families. Players, coaches, officials, and community members were invited to submit nominations, sharing how the NFL Canada grant would impact their programs.
“In the first year of the NFL Forward Pass program we received over 500 nominations from football programs across the country,” said Tara Chetkowski, Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement, NFL Canada. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, who are each making a significant impact in the growth of football in their communities and are worthy of this recognition. We look forward to celebrating with all the hard-working volunteers, coaches, players and families at their community events later this year.”
The North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club has been a cornerstone of youth football in the community for over 50 years, providing inclusive opportunities for players aged 7 to 22.
“There are so many ways this grant will help the North Winnipeg Nomads flourish,” the program shared in their submission. “The club can upgrade the field to ensure safety for all, host more free camps and provide even more opportunities for those that aren’t sure about football.”
Howard S. Billings is a small high school in the town of Châteauguay. A football team existed from 1968-1975, but was shut down due to lack of funding. Last year the football team was reinstated.
“The team has become the pride of the school and community and have players from different backgrounds and cultures,” shared the school in their program submission. “The team have the talent, spirit and the heard, but could use a little help to upgrade their equipment. The NFL grant will help the Blazers continue on for years.”
The Peel Panthers are dedicated to creating an empowering and inclusive environment where children and youth, particularly from Black and racialized communities, can thrive through football. By addressing socio-economic barriers, they provides accessible programs that integrate athletic development, education, nutrition and community engagement.
“The financial support will be utilized to expand existing initiatives, enhance service delivery, and reach a broader audience,” shared the organization. “This grant will significantly enhance the program’s ability to make a lasting difference in the community, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for those it serves.”
As part of the NFL Forward Pass initiative, each recipient will also receive an in-person visit from the NFL, featuring a tailgate event, cheque presentation, and giveaways. The events are set to take place this spring.
For more information on the NFL Forward Pass initiative, visit nfl.com/ca/forwardpass