Lions and Football Ontario Team Up for Flag Events in Canada

Detroit Lions and Football Ontario Continue Partnership to Host Flag Football Events in Canada

Detroit, ON – The Detroit Lions and Football Ontario are excited to announce their partnership is back for a second year. They remain dedicated to expanding the game of football through flag and deepening the Lions’ ties with Canadian fans and players.

This ongoing collaboration includes the Adult Flag Football Circuit and the Women’s Collegiate Provincial Championship, giving athletes across Ontario a chance to experience NFL-level competition while connecting directly with the Detroit Lions brand.

Growing the Game

As this initiative enters its second year, it aligns with the Detroit Lions’ mission to boost football participation and community involvement in Canada. These events allow athletes to tap into NFL excitement while supporting flag football as a stepping stone sport, working hand-in-hand with Football Ontario’s goals of expanding opportunities for players at every level.

In 2025, this partnership hosted three branded events aimed at promoting adult flag football and Canada’s Olympic pathway. Last year saw nearly 600 male and female athletes take part, creating lively, inclusive events that blended high-quality competition with community spirit and fan engagement. Custom Lions-branded jerseys, signage, and equipment provided a professional touch that made it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The tournaments will return in 2026, welcoming both Canadian and U. S. teams across men’s, women’s, and collegiate divisions – fostering competition, inclusivity, and collaboration that highlights the sport’s growth.

Registration is now open at playflagontario. ca.

2026 Event Schedule

First Qualifier: February 14 – Civic Recreation Complex, Oshawa, ON Second Qualifier: March 14 – BMO Centre, London, ON Series Championship: June 13 – Eastview Community Park, Guelph, ON Collegiate Provincial Championship: April 3-4 – Fleming College, Peterborough, ON (Ontario universities & colleges only)

Shared Commitment to Development and Inclusion in Football

This partnership highlights both organizations’ focus on building community connections and providing accessible opportunities within football.

“Through continued support from the Detroit Lions, we’re building more than events-we’re building a pathway for athletes to grow in the sport,” said Olivia Ghosh-Swaby, Manager of Flag Football Development for Football Ontario. “Flag football offers a fun, inclusive way to engage new players and fans; the Lions’ involvement allows us to inspire more women, girls, and adults to get involved at every level.”

The aim is to deliver high-quality competition while fostering athlete development alongside community connection for lifelong engagement in football.

Athlete Impact and Community Connection

Athletes from last year’s tournaments have shown strong enthusiasm; many are returning for another season-this reflects how impactful this partnership continues to be. Participants noted improvements in skills as well as teamwork and friendships formed during these exciting Lions-branded events.

Football Ontario anticipates a 25% rise in participation this year-further evidence of growing interest in football along with the Lions in Ontario.

“This tournament was an awesome experience from start to finish. The energy was unmatched-fast-paced competitive fun,” said Sydney Coe from Laurentian University.

“The Lions Circuit gave me a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while connecting with amazing people. Having that NFL connection made it all the more special,” added Karen Wong from the London Legends Women’s Flag Team.

Brian Facchini , Chief Communications & Brand Officer for the Detroit Lions , emphasized how important this partnership is:

“We’re proud to continue working with Football Ontario to grow the game of football through flag while connecting more deeply with our fans across Canada. The NFL , as well as football overall , brings communities together , and these events let us celebrate that shared passion on field.”

Partnership Highlights

The 2025 season showed impressive growth along with great engagement :Social Media Reach :2 ,068 ,346 views |1 ,178 ,849 individuals reached |80 ,000 engagements Participation :34 teams |285 male athletes |192 female athletes |512 collegiate athletes Games Played : Over 160 flag football games were held throughout Ontario

These figures highlight how successful collaboration between lions organization &football ontario has been regarding growing sport encouraging communities forming lasting bonds among lions supporters across canada.

FOR MORE INFORMATION :

www. footballontario. net
ABOUT FOOTBALL ONTARIO : Football Ontario serves as sanctioned governing body overseeing local leagues ensuring transparency facilitating access enhancing experiences supporting growth collaborating closely stakeholders committed delivering quality programming resources members province-wide. Visit site : footballontario. net 

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