By Lydia Jane Allison
Team from Saskatchewan win 2023 NFL FLAG Canadian National Championship
Winning team to compete at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in the United States
October 4, 2023: In Canada’s inaugural NFL FLAG National Championship, team ‘Bomb Squad’ from Regina, Saskatchewan have been crowned the 2023 NFL FLAG Canadian National Championship winners in Toronto.
Flag football is the non-contact version of football, played by boys and girls, and is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Flag football is fun, exciting and accessible for all, with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth in the sport.
Six teams made up of 60 athletes travelled to Toronto from across the country after qualifying for the National Championship through NFL FLAG Canadian Regional Tournaments that took place in Vancouver, Regina, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa and Edmonton over the summer.
“What an incredible turnout for our first-ever NFL FLAG National Championship in Canada,” said David Thomson, Vice President and Managing Director, NFL Canada. “With flag football being one of the fastest-growing sports around the world, it was fantastic to see 60 young players compete and work together for the championship title. We’re thrilled to support the growth of the game of football from coast to coast across Canada.”
Luke Willson, NFL Legend and former Canadian linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens attended Saturday’s tournament, meeting and greeting with all teams onsite and cheering them on during games. NFL and IFAF Global Flag Football ambassador and Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson also shared a video message with Canadian athletes offering encouragement, insight and motivation to all players.
The six regional qualification tournaments this year saw over 800 young athletes (boys and girls aged 12 and under) involved across Canada, highlighting flag football’s ongoing appeal and the NFL’s long-standing commitment to grow the sport.
Winners from Saskatchewan will return to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in the United States to represent Canada at the NFL FLAG Championships, in their second debut following last season’s Regional Championship win.
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ABOUT NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG empowers young athletes, boys and girls, around the world. It is fun, exciting, and accessible for all; with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth in the sport.
The game provides a structured opportunity for youth to play football whilst discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship both on and off the field. To find out more about NFL FLAG, please visit here.
COURTESY NFLmedia.com
