Fast to bring wealth of experience as player and coach in leadership role with the team

Winnipeg, MB – The U18 Indigenous Women’s National Team is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jill Fast as the inaugural Head Coach. With an impressive background in football as both an athlete and a coach, Fast brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead the team.

Fast’s journey in the world of football began in 2011 when she joined the Winnipeg Wolfpack of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL). Throughout her playing career, she showcased her exceptional skills as a linebacker and represented both Team Manitoba and Team Canada in various competitions.

In 2014, Jill Fast embarked on a coaching path, starting with the Portage Collegiate Trojans in the Winnipeg High School Football League Division 2. Initially serving as a linebacker coach, she eventually rose to the position of Head Coach in 2020. Her dedication and commitment to the sport have made a significant impact on the development of players under her guidance.

Although taking a sabbatical from coaching this year to focus on playing for The Manitoba Fearless of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Fast has agreed to take the helm of the U18 Indigenous Women’s National Team. Her passion for the game, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, make her the ideal leader to guide the team towards success. Fast stated, “I am truly honored, Kevin Hart has been a driving force in making this dream a reality. It will help pave the way for future Indigenous athletes. I thank him and his team for this opportunity.”

As the Head Coach of the U18 Indigenous Women’s National Team, Fast will play a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment that encourages growth and development both on and off the field. She aims to empower young indigenous women, supporting them in realizing their full potential and achieving their goals in the sport they love. She thinks this will be good for the sport. “I am excited, it’s great to see Indigenous athletes come together and showcase their talents at the National level.”

The National Indigenous team is excited and looking forward to this Inaugural team taking the field. Fast says: “I think it will inspire more Indigenous youth to play football and give them role models and athletes to look up to.”

About the U18 Indigenous Women’s National Team

The U18 Indigenous Women’s National Team is a dedicated team that represents the Indigenous women of Canada in football competitions. It aims to provide a platform for talented young athletes to showcase their skills and foster their love for the game. The team is committed to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and cultural representation within the sport.

ABOUT FOOTBALL CANADA

Established in 1884, Football Canada is the national governing body of amateur football in Canada and a proud member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Working closely with the provincial football associations, we develop programs and resources for players, coaches, officials in the three disciplines of Tackle, Flag and Touch Football. Football Canada’s vision statement is “from playground to stadium” where players can participate in the game of football throughout a lifetime recreationally, competitively and internationally