Football Canada unveils selection process for 2020 Junior National Team

TORONTO — Football Canada has announced the selection process which will determine the composition of the 2020 Junior National Team that will represent the country at the IFAF World Junior Championship in the United States.

“We are excited to have a clear pathway for our athletes to have multiple opportunities to compete to be a part of Team Canada and defend our Gold medal,” Aaron Geisler, Football Canada Manager of Program Development said. “Introducing the pathway early and providing more opportunities to highlight our players and process is great for our ability to perform at Worlds and develop a greater awareness of the program and event.”

The process kicks off in the coming weeks with a cross country tour where identification camps will take place in seven major cities. Tryouts will be open to athletes born in 2001 and 2002. Those who register will also receive two months free on Volt Athletics Strength and Conditioning platform to train before the camps begin.

At the conclusion of those camps, the participants will be wilted down to a top 100 list. This special group will be tracked by Football Canada as well as the Junior National Team staff and will have continual strength and conditioning, fundraising, and educational support.

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When the 2019 Football Canada Cup occurs this July in Kingston, Ontario, an update will be made to the Top 100 to reflect the evaluation from that event. Upon the completion of the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas, 70 of the top players will be selected to attend a Red and White mini-camp in May 2020.

From the Red and White mini-camp, 45 of the top participants will form the 2020 Junior National Team that will defend the gold medal Canada won at the last two tournaments against rival United States – Harbin, China (2016) and Mexico City, Mexico (2018).

“With the 2018 World Championships in our rear view mirror, we look forward to the 2020 World Championships and our attempt at the three-peat,” commented Steve Sumarah, Junior National Team head coach. “The selection process is well on its way with the International Bowl having been completed in January and ID Camps coming up in April, May, and June throughout the country.

We look forward to bringing out our best talent and showing the world once again how Canadians play football.”