British Columbia and New Brunswick to host Football Canada tackle Under-16 Challenges this summer

Ottawa, ON (March 10th, 2020) – Football Canada has unveiled information on the 2020 tackle under-16 Challenges that will take place this summer.

For the second consecutive year, British Columbia is the host province for the Under-16 Western Challenge.  From July 11-16, 2020, the will be played in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

In addition to British Columbia, teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta will compete for gold.

Last year’s tournament was held in Kamloops.  In that event, Saskatchewan etched their historical chapter by winning their first gold in the short event history by downing host British Columbia 21-7.  Previous to Saskatchewan’s win, Alberta took home the championship the previous two years in a row.

“We are looking forward to seeing the best young talent from the four Western provinces begin their competitive career on a tournament circuit in Abbotsford and surrounding communities this July” commented Frank Naso, president of British Columbia Provincial Football Association (BCPFA).

As for the Under-16 Eastern Challenge, it will be hosted in New Brunswick for the first time since the tournament was incepted in 2017.  From July 13-18, 2020, Mount Allison University located in Sackville, New Brunswick will host the event.

Not only will host New Brunswick compete in this tournament but also teams from rival province Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario will participate.

“Hosting the Under-16 Eastern Challenge for the first time marks an exciting new chapter in New Brunswick football,” stated Lisa Harlow, Football New Brunswick’s president.  “We are excited for the other three provinces and the football community to see how our provincial program has grown in recent years while providing a first-class tournament that essentially begins athletes’ pathway to both the Football Canada Cup and Junior National team.”

For the second straight year, Quebec won gold after defeating host Ontario 28-7 at Queen’s University. Nova Scotia took bronze after cruising to a 39-5 victory over New Brunswick.

“In the past few years, both the Western and Eastern Challenges are the perfect stages for showcasing up and coming talent in our country,” said Shannon Donovan, Football Canada’s Executive Director.  “Our goal for both of these tournaments is to introduce young players and coaches to tournament style of competition where they can measure their skills against other competing provinces.”

For more information on the tournament including games, schedules, rosters, and previews, click here and follow Football Canada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Under 16 Eastern Challenge – Alumni Field, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick

Game Day 1 – Wednesday, July 15^th, 2020

Game Day 2 – Saturday, July 18, 2020 

Under 16 Western Challenge – Rotary Stadium, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Game Day 1 – Monday, July 13^th, 2020

Game Day 2 – Thursday, July 16^th, 2020 

This post is also available in: French