Growing the Gridiron, presented by Pioneer Energy, is a youth football initiative/program to help grow the sport of football at the grassroots level in Ontario. Growing the Gridiron offers Ontario youth between the ages of 7-14 a safe and fun introduction to football. Growing the Gridiron is organized, operated and facilitated by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) with the support of its current and future volunteers to ensure all Ontario youth have the opportunity to participate in all levels and disciplines (touch, flag and tackle) of football.
- Create a safe environment where children and adults can have fun with football.
- Teach football skills, rules and strategy.
- Model and teach competitiveness with an emphasis on good sportsmanship.
- Promote active living and positive self-esteem to participants and volunteers of the program.
Participants will be introduced to football, and receive skill development sessions, derived from Football Canada’s LTAD model, which will help build positive self-esteem, confidence, and a new love for the game of football. Each participant will engage in and progress through the Growing the Gridiron program, advancing through the levels and the skills associated with each level. Upon completion of each level the participants will receive a different coloured OUA football jersey symbolizing they have passed that level, which they can wear with pride!
Is your organization interested in hosting an upcoming Growing the Gridiron clinic? Contact us to find out more!