Canada to host the world at the 2024 IFAF World Junior Championships

Football Canada is pleased to announce that Canada will be the site of the 2024 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Junior Championship.

It will mark the first time Canada will host the tournament. Previously, Canada has hosted other international tackle and flag events such as the World Flag Championships (2008, 2010).  Most recently  the Women’s World Championships occurred in 2017 at Langley, British Columbia.

“It is an honour to host the 2024 IFAF World Junior Championship, which is a prestigious event,” commented Football Canada president Kim Wudrick.  “With the tremendous success Canada has enjoyed during the history of the tournament, I am looking forward to cheering Canada on as the team strives to achieve new heights in our own backyard.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the world to Canada in 2024.”

Since its inception in 2009, Canada has enjoyed tremendous success at the tournament.  Winning their first gold medal in 2012 in Austin, Texas, the nation has won gold twice more – 2016 in Harbin, China and last summer in Mexico City.

In addition to three gold medals, Canada has also claimed silver at the 2009 championship in Canton, Ohio and 2014 in Kuwait.

The IFAF World Junior Championship is a week-long international showcase of the top under-19 athletes.  Japan, Sweden, Austria, Mexico, Australia, China, New Zealand, American Samoa and rival United States are some of the nations that have fielded a team at past events.

Many athletes who have competed at the IFAF World Junior Championship have moved on to successful professional football careers.  Notable Canadian athletes include offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (2009), defensive lineman Matthieu Betts (2014), offensive lineman David Knevel (2012), linebacker Tanner Doll (2012), quarterback Hugo Richard (2012), defensive lineman Edward Godin (2012), running back Mercer Timmis (2012), offensive lineman Matthias Goosen (2012), receiver Tylor Henry (2012), offensive lineman Quinn Horton (2012), receiver Louis-Mathieu Normandin (2014),

“The IFAF World Junior Championship has created an avenue for growth and development of football in Canada and internationally,” said Football Canada Executive Director Shannon Donovan.  “In 2024, we are looking forward to once again highlighting tackle football on an international stage.”

Details on dates and location for the 2024 IFAF World Junior Championships will be announced at a later date.