Former RSS Linebacker Max Gainey (Kelowna SS Owls)

By VernonMatters staff

making and impact

Kelowna Secondary benefits from NFL grant

Sep 27, 2024 | 12:10 PM

NFL Way to Play and NFL Forward Pass programs are giving back to youth football players, coaches and community members in Canada with a chance to earn a funding boost for their programs.

NFL Way to Play is designed to invest in Canadian high school and CEGEP tackle football programs while reinforcing good playing technique.

Players or their supporters are asked to submit videos of plays demonstrating proper tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline or vision. Each week during the season (until November 17) one submitted video will be chosen and featured on TSN.ca and in a special segment during the NFL broadcast live on CTV. To further honour the achievement, the high school of each award recipient will receive a $3,000 equipment grant through Football Canada.

Players can be nominated through the official NFL Canada Way to Play Award submission form here.

“This is the fourth year of NFL Way to Play, and it has already contributed $90,000 directly into our high school and CEGEP football programs,” said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director, Football Canada. “Being recognized by the NFL during broadcasts is a tremendous thrill for the players, and we want to spread the word to all high school and CEGEP programs about this amazing opportunity to give their teams a boost. All it takes is one uploaded video.”

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Chris Cartwright, the Football Teacher Sponsor at Kelowna Secondary School in British Columbia, has felt the impact of NFL Way to Play firsthand.

“The grant had a big impact on our program in a few ways,” said Cartwright, who, along with player Max Gainey (who is now playing at Yale) submitted this video of one of Max’s tackles in 2022. “We were able to purchase new helmets, which is really important, but there was also just a lot of excitement. Some of the best things we receive from former athletes are testimonials on how high school football has impacted them. Having supports like the NFL Way to Play program contributes to that.

NFL Forward Pass, an all-new program from NFL Canada, is designed to promote community level youth (U18) tackle or flag football across the country, while helping to remove barriers so more families can participate.

Players, coaches, officials or community members are encouraged to share what impact a $25,000 donation from the NFL could have on their programs, to nominate for potential funding. After review by Football Canada and its provincial partners, three winners will be selected (one from Western Canada, one from Ontario, and one from Quebec/Eastern Canada) to receive contributions to help the continuous build of local football programs.

“We’re thrilled about the all-new NFL Forward Pass program,” said Tara Chetkowski, Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement, NFL Canada. “Community football programs rally local fans and inspire character, leadership, resiliency and teamwork. We see these values every time we visit football communities in Canada, and are looking forward to contributing to the growth of these important programs.”

Each NFL Forward Pass grant will include an on-the-ground visit from the NFL, including a tailgate, presentation of a check for $25,000, and giveaways.

Submissions will be accepted at the official NFL Forward Pass website here until December 31, 2024.