The Canadian Football League has unveiled a major investment in flag football.
The league is now a founding partner of the senior men’s and senior women’s national flag teams. This will allow for CFL venues, facilities, infrastructure, and relationships to support Football Canada’s continued operation of the program ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, where Canada will look to qualify for men’s and women’s flag football.
This announcement came mere days after it was confirmed that CFL players will be eligible to play flag football in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif.
The CFL has also partnered with Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada), 10 provincial sport organizations (PSOs), and Football Canada to become an official development partner, a five-year commitment of annual investment that starts in 2026.
In collaboration with its nine member clubs, the league and our country’s PSOs will deliver and enhance the Provincial Club Flag Championships with CFL venues, infrastructure, and branding.
“Footballs in more kids’ and peoples’ hands — that’s our collective goal,” said CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston in a statement. “We have a great game — it’s fun and entertaining, and its core values, like teamwork, leadership and respect, help build stronger young Canadians. We’re committed to driving the continued growth of flag through this strategic partnership. From support at the grassroots level to strengthening the National Team Program, we’re working together to build a brighter future ahead for our game.”
The CFL and PHE Canada partnered in 2019 to develop Move Think Learn – Football in Focus Featuring CFL Skill Practice, a resource for people to teach the game in schools and in the community. The program has since been registered almost 2,700 times across Canada, reaching nearly 1.6 million students
The parties have now renewed this partnership with this next phase aiming to refresh the content and make football more accessible, fun, and inclusive.
“We’re proud to team up once again with the CFL to bring the excitement of flag football to more schools across Canada,” said PHE Canada CEO Melanie Davis. “Schools are a great equalizer of opportunity — igniting a love of the game, movement, building skills, confidence, and opening doors to lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.”
The CFL will also support the growth of elite flag football by enhancing provincial identification, training, and selection opportunities across the U14, U16, U18, and adult categories for men and women. Beyond competition, the league and its member clubs will work with PSOs to amplify promotion and drive awareness, while helping the sustainability of the sport through shared sponsorship and event development efforts.
“These partnerships are a major step forward for football in Canada and serves to bring our football community together,” said Football Canada executive director Kevin McDonald. “The support for our national and Olympic programs will ensure Team Canada has the resources and backing needed to compete at the highest level on the world stage.”
