Brandon to host fourth annual 6 Nations Challenge

August 9, 2013 — Seventy-five 6-A-Side tackle football players from Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are preparing for the fourth annual 6 Nations Challenge taking place August 11-17 at Brandon University in Manitoba.

The 6 Nations Challenge is aimed at player development as well as increasing participation among Aboriginal players across Canada. In 2013 the event returns to western Canada for the first time since its 2010 inception in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2011, the event headed to Charlottetown, PEI on Canada’s east coast while in 2012 the event was held in Canada’s National Capital – Ottawa, Ontario.

Wednesday, August 14 will feature a “shootout” challenge consisting of controlled scrimmages in which teams will receive series of 10 plays beginning at their opponents’ 45-yard line. To cap off the week, participants will face-off in a series of mini-games on Saturday, August 17.

“6-A-Side football continues to grow across Canada, providing an avenue for smaller communities as well as those unequipped to manage the traditional 12-A-Side program the opportunity to still play tackle football,” explained Football Canada Executive Director, Shannon Donovan. “The 6-A-Side brand of football is fast and exciting – it allows for players to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball and helps develop football fundamentals like passing, catching, blocking, tackling and kicking.”

“The 6 Nations Challenge was established in 2010 to not only promote the great sport of football but more specifically to promote 6-A-Side programs across Canada.”

OTTAWA TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL 6 NATIONS CHALLENGE

August 17, 2012 — The Ontario Football Alliance in conjunction with the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA) and Football Canada will host 75 players from Saskatchewan, Ontario and Québec in the third annual 6 Nations Challenge, August 20-26 in Ottawa, Ontario.

The 6 Nations Challenge is aimed at player development as well as increasing participation among Aboriginal players across Canada. The inaugural event was held August 2010 in Saskatoon, SK while the 2011 edition was held in Charlottetown, PEI.

To assist in player development throughout the week teams will hold interlocking practices against local NCAFA club team, the South Ottawa Mustangs as well as the CJFL’s Ottawa Sooners, offering opportunities for collaborative coaching. Wednesday, August 22 will feature a “shootout” challenge consisting of controlled scrimmages in which teams will receive series of 10 plays beginning at their opponents’ 45-yard line. To cap off the week, participants will face-off through a series of mini-games on Saturday, August 25.

6-A-Side football is a perfect fit for minor football, Aboriginal communities, female participants, and any community that is unequipped to manage a full 12-player program. Players are also able to develop a well-rounded skill set since they are not regulated into one position. 6-A-Side football is a fast paced game, allows 1-on-1 coaching and lets everyone touch the ball while still teaching the fundamentals of football: tackling, blocking, passing, catching and kicking.

 Second annual 6 Nations Challenge kicks-off from Charlottetown, PEI

August 24, 2011 – Ottawa, ON- Football Canada and Football PEI are very excited to announce the second annual the 6 NATIONS CHALLENGE is being held from August 22 – 28, 2011 in Charlottetown, PEI.

The inaugural event was held August 2010 in Saskatoon, SK. The 6 Nations Challenge is aimed at player development as well as focusing on increasing participation of Aboriginal players from across Canada.

Participating provinces in the 2011 event are Saskatoon, Quebec and the host province Prince Edward Island. Throughout the week, teams will practice and will hold controlled scrimmages before playing 3 mini-games on Saturday, August 27. The event also includes interlocking practices and collaborative coaching at the University of PEI.

Six-A-Side football is promoted as a perfect fit for minor football, Aboriginal communities, female participants, and any community that is unequipped to manage a full 12-player program. Players are also able to develop a well-rounded skill set since they are not regulated into one position. Six-A-Side football is a fast paced game, allows 1-on-1 coaching and lets everyone touch the ball while still teaching the fundamentals of football: tackling, blocking, passing, catching and kicking.

“6-A-Side Football is vastly growing in popularity across Canada, ” says Football Canada technical coordinator Josh Sacobie. “Youth that would not have had the opportunity to experience the game of football now are through 6-A-Side programs. The 6 Nations Challenge is an event that promotes and celebrates 6-A-Side football programs being played in Canada.”

INAUGURAL 6 NATIONS CHALLENGE READY TO GO IN SASKATCHEWAN

August 20, 2010 – Ottawa, ON- Football Canada and Football Saskatchewan are very excited to announce the inaugural 6 NATIONS CHALLENGE that will be held from August 23 – 29, 2010 in Saskatoon, Sk. This event will be a tribute to the growth of 6-A-Side Football and the players and coaches involved. Saskatchewan currently has the most 6 –A-Side programs with over 1,500 players and the title of the event, the 6 Nations challenge, comes from the large group of aboriginal participants who are taking part in the event.

“Although 6-A-Side football has existed in Saskatchewan for over 60 years in rural high schools, it is now seeing considerable growth at the minor level as a developmentally appropriate way to introduce tackle football among youth, ” says Brian Guebert, Football Saskatchewan Program Director. Saskatchewan has now seen over 35 minor 6 aside teams spring up across the province in the last 18 months.”

Teams taking part in the weeklong event will include the James Bay Eagles from Quebec, the Clavet Cougars and the Prince Albert Collegiate Institute Golden Bears. Throughout the week, teams will practice and will hold controlled scrimmages before playing 3 mini-games on Saturday, August 28. Players involved will get the chance to practice with the Saskatoon Hilltops as well as meet players from both the University of Saskatchewan Huskies (CIS) and the Saskatoon Hilltops (CJFL).

The event also includes practices at Potash Corp Park, team outings to the Waneskewin Heritage Park and to Prince Albert and a team BBQ. Teams will get the chance to watch the CIS pre-season game between the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Western Mustangs. Finally, along with a final banquet, players at the Six Nations Challenge will have the opportunity to hear a former Six-a-side and CFL player speak.

The 6 Nations Challenge is an event that will allow the players to showcase their skills while enjoying and sharing their experiences through the game of football. Six-A-Side football is promoted as a perfect fit for minor football, aboriginal communities, female participants, and any community that is unequipped to manage a full 12-player program. Players are also able to develop a well-rounded skill set since they are not regulated into one position. Six-A-Side football is a fast paced game, allows 1 on 1 coaching and lets everyone touch the ball while still teaching the fundamentals of tackling, blocking, passing, catching and kicking.

“6-A-Side Football is vastly growing in popularity across Canada, ” says Football Canada technical coordinator Josh Sacobie. “Youth that would not have had the opportunity to experience the game of football now are through 6-A-Side programs. The 6 Nations Challenge is an event that promotes and celebrates 6-A-Side football programs being played in Canada.”

There continues to be exceptional growth of 6-A-Side football programs throughout Canada. In 2010, more than seven provinces and 2,500 players participated in this emerging game. PEI will be launching a 6 A Side program this fall.