Canada to host 2017 Women’s World Championship

Langley, BC chosen as host site of third WWC in 2017

Photo credit: 2013 WWC Finland

Canada will host the third edition of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championship from June 24 – June 30, 2017 in Langley, British Columbia at McLeod Stadium. The event will be hosted by Football Canada in partnership with the British Columbia Provincial Football Association (BCPFA).

The six-team event features the top female tackle football players from around the world. Participating for a third time are respective two-time defending gold, silver and bronze medalists, the United States, host Canada and Finland, while Great Britain, the current European silver medalist, Australia and Mexico are set to make their women’s worlds debut in Langley.

The 2017 event will mark the first time that the Women’s World Championship is held outside of Europe as Sweden and Finland hosted the 2010 and 2013 events respectively. It also marks the first time that Canada will host an IFAF tackle football competition as the nation twice hosted the Flag Football World Championships in 2008 and 2010.

Canada is looking to build off a pair of silver medals and avenge consecutive gold medal game defeats at the hands of the U.S. in 2017. The host nation is led by an experienced coaching staff that returns head coach Jeff Yausie alongside respective defensive and special teams coordinators Pierre Migner and Olivier Eddie. The duo is joined by incoming offensive coordinator, Ryan Clutterbuck. The coaching staff also returns offensive line coach Chris Hengen-Braun while former Team Canada quarterback Saadia Ashraf is set to participate in her third women’s worlds as a first-time national team coach. See: Full coaching staff and Canada’s roster.

Quotes:

“The Women’s World Championship has been a major catalyst in the growth and development of the sport in Canada as well as around the world. We’re excited to showcase women’s tackle football this summer in Langley.”

– Shannon Donovan, Executive Director of Football Canada

“I’ve previously had the chance to represent Canada at international competitions and I can tell you that it’s always a special feeling. This summer will be even more special for our team as they’ll get the chance to represent Canada on home soil for the first time. Based on what we saw at the inaugural Women’s National Championship this past summer in Regina combined with our recent selection camps our Canadian national team will be younger, stronger and faster which should help us close the gap against Team USA. We’ll come together as a team in June for training camp as we prepare to represent Canada proudly in Langley.”

– Jeff Yausie, returning Women’s National Team Head Coach

“Hosting the Women’s World Championships is a great honour. To do so during Canada’s 150 birthday is a tremendous way to celebrate our nation’s long football history as well as to promote the growth of women’s tackle football in Canada. I look forward to cheering Canada on alongside a loud and proud hometown crowd this summer.”

– Kim Wudrick, President of Football Canada

“It’s really exciting to bring the Women’s World Championship to the province of British Columbia. The venue is a great one which hosted events like the Canadian Bowl in the past and has the advantage of being able to accommodate the international field dimensions. We look forward to welcoming participating nations from around the world to Langley this summer and hope that a large contingent comes out to support Team Canada.”

– Frank Naso, President of the British Columbia Provincial Football Association

Related: Football Canada adds five to Women’s National Team coaching staff

Related: Football Canada unveils 2017 Women’s National Team roster

IFAF Women’s World Championship History

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