Football Canada adds seven to its national teams in preparation for Orlando
Canada to play U.S. on January 28, 2017
Photo credit: USA Football
Football Canada has added four players to its under-18 national team and three to its under-19 national team in preparation for the 2017 North American Championship on January 28 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Canada’s national teams will face their USA Football counterparts as both nations work towards the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championship.
Additions to U19 national team
|
Name |
Pos. |
Hometown |
Team (2016) |
|
| J-Min | Pelley | DL | Calgary, AB | Calgary Colts (CJFL) |
| Katley | Joseph | DB | Ottawa, ON | Cumberland Panthers / St. Matthew HS |
| Ted | Kubongo | DB/RB | Calgary, AB | St. Matthew HS |
Pelley, Kubongo return to Canada’s U19 team
The duo of J-Min Pelley and Ted Kubongo give Canada added experience as both participated in the U19 game a year ago at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Pelley joins Nick Cross, Charles Émile-Bouchard and Mathew Goodall who helped Canada to gold at the 2016 IFAF U19 World Championship last July in Harbin, China.
“Heading into Orlando our U19 squad is a bit younger than in past years as the bulk of our roster is comprised of last July’s Canada Cup all-stars,” said head coach Steve Sumarah. “Adding two athletes that played in the International Bowl against Team USA is a big boost for us as they’ve experienced playing on this big stage so they know what to expect and how to better adjust to the 4-down international game.”
“We expect the U.S. to come out with a chip on their shoulder after Canada took home gold at the 2016 worlds in China. USA Football’s roster is always very strong. It’s comprised of coveted prospects heading to big-time NCAA programs, boasting high profile alumni like Jameis Winston [QB Tampa Bay Bucaneers], Tyrann Mathieu [DB Arizona Cardinals], and Todd Gurley [RB LA Rams].”
Additions to U18 national team
| Name | Pos. | Prov. Team | Hometown | Team (2016) | |
| Ben | Maracle | QB | Ontario | Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON | Kingston Grenadiers |
| Tadi | Siwira | RB | Alberta | Edmonton, AB | Harry Ainlay |
| Connor | Ross | FB | NS | Coldbrook, NS | Central Kings |
| Christopher | Cyril | DB | Quebec | Repentigny, QC | Cégep St-Jean-sur-Richelieu |
Preparation for 2018 worlds
Canada is planning to use the annual series of games against USA Football to continue to grow its national team program as they prepare to defend their 2016 IFAF U19 World Championship gold medal in 2018.
“Over the next two years, we plan on keeping a core group of players together and involved in the national team program. This is more than a one-and-done type of game in Orlando; it’s a multi-year event which will be used as a stepping stone to help identify and help prepare Canada’s junior national team for the world championships and includes an off-season strength and conditioning program as well.”
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