Nissan & CFL putting Canadian Students ‘Back in the Game’

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO – Yesterday, Nissan Canada and the Canadian Football League (CFL) announced a new “Back in the Game” program that will provide funding and support to 21 (full list below) struggling high school football programs across the country. From Vancouver to Montreal, these teams can be found in each CFL market and will be given funding, equipment, playing field improvements, training materials or whatever other obstacles may have been keeping them out of the game.

Building on seven years as a proud partner of the CFL and official supporter of football in Canada, Nissan executives, staff and local dealers across Canada are all excited to see the results. To enable all Canadians to follow the journey, select teams will be featured in webisodes leading up to a full 30-minute documentary at the end of the program. This content will tell the story of these teams – their trials, tribulations and triumphs – over the course of their 2014 football season, with the students as the stars of the show.

“Nissan is a proud sponsor of football in Canada and extremely driven to improve the communities that we operate in,” said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada. “With this national platform, we can not only showcase the passion and importance of local youth football within our Canadian communities, but also give young Canadians a chance to learn and grow through the power of sport. Everyone within our organization is extremely excited.”

In addition to Nissan’s commitment, the CFL will be supporting the program and helping to grow youth football across the CFL’s landscape with special guest appearances and resources, official CFL merchandise and amplification of program messaging and onsite activations throughout the season.

“Getting kids off the couch and playing sports is important for all Canadians,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner, Canadian Football League. “The lessons and social skills learned through sport and specifically football are invaluable to children and teenagers. And with partners like Nissan, we can make a difference in our communities. We can help revitalize football programs across the country where needed, and give those students the opportunity to get on the field, be a part of a team and have fun playing our great game.” 

21 schools, 18 cities, 6 provinces, 1 goal – Put Canadian youth “Back in the Game”