OUA LAUNCHES GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL PROGRAM
Growing the Gridiron is a program designed to help grow the sport of football at the grassroots level in Ontario. The program consists of a series of free clinics offering youth between the ages of 7-14 a safe and fun introduction to developmental skills such as throwing, catching, punting and kicking. The program is organized and lead by OUA with the support of volunteers and member institutions.
“OFA is pleased to partner with OUA on this exciting project," said OFA executive director Tina Turner. “Growing the Gridiron is a great opportunity for Ontario youth to test drive touch, flag and tackle football. By making the sport more accessible, we hope to see measureable participation growth among our members.”
The Growing the Gridiron curriculum is derived from Football Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and is designed to progress the participant through a series of evaluative levels.
“Growing the Gridiron will provide Ontario youth with a safe and fun environment to learn the game, develop their skills and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said OUA interim executive director Bryan Crawford. “Simultaneously the program is adding an important step in the development process for future OUA stars.”
Growing the Gridiron has been made possible thanks to the funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada’s leading charitable grant-making foundation. The Trillium Foundation works with not-for-profit and charitable organizations to help create vibrant and healthy communities in Ontario.
Visit OUA.ca/growingthegridiron for more information or to register for an upcoming Growing the Gridiron clinic.
GROWING THE GRIDIRON CLINIC SCHEDULE
| Thursday, October 3 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | University of Guelph |
| Saturday, October 5 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Carleton University |
| Sunday, October 6 | 12-4 p.m. | UOIT |
| Tuesday, October 8 | 5-9 p.m. | York University |
| Saturday, October 12 | 8-11:30 a.m. | Wilfrid Laurier University |
| Sunday, October 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Trent University |