TORONTO – September 3, 2025 – Now in its fifth year, NFL Way to Play is again giving Canadian high school and CEGEP tackle football programs a chance to earn a funding boost this season.
NFL Way to Play asks players or their supporters to submit videos of plays demonstrating proper tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline or vision.
Each week during the season (until November 10) the NFL Canada Football Development Committee will select one video to be featured by studio analysts on TSN.ca and in a special segment during the NFL broadcast live on CTV.
To further honour the achievement, the high school or CEGEP program of each award recipient will receive a $3,000 equipment grant through Football Canada.
“We’re excited to see another season of exciting plays from the young tackle football players who share our love for the game, and are proud to continue investing in Canadian high school and CEGEP tackle football programs,” said Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement, NFL Canada, Tara Chetkowski, “Our focus at NFL Canada is on growing the game at every level across the country.”
Players can be nominated through the official NFL Canada Way to Play Award submission form here.
Chad Palmer, head coach of the St. Joseph High School Guardians in Saskatoon, submitted one of last season’s winning plays – of receiver Sam Bazarkiewicz catching a touchdown in thick coverage and somehow maintaining possession while falling.
“I think the Way to Play award is an awesome initiative by NFL Canada and Football Canada and I’d encourage coaches to send in some plays,” said Palmer. “Seeing Sam and our team on a national broadcast was exciting for everyone on the team and at school. The $3,000.00 grant that came along with the award was phenomenal, as it enabled us to purchase two sets of new practice jerseys – equipment that we would typically deprioritize due to limited funding.”
Through NFL Way to Play and NFL Forward Pass, which awards grants of $25,000 to help make community level youth (U18) tackle of flag football more accessible, NFL Canada has invested more than $200,000 in Canadian grassroots football.
Canada’s NFL fan base is more than 15 million across the country, continuing to grow at a record pace. The league is committed to growing the game at every level in Canada engaging with fans year-round through partners, programs and initiatives, including NFL Flag and community events. These initiatives give fans and athletes across the country more opportunities to come together and share in the excitement of football year-round.
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Media Contact:
Brian Findlay
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416-802-4062
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