By: Stephen Johnson
A quick look at the REDBLACKS roster will show you a direct link to minor football in Ottawa. Players like Justin Phillips, Kevin Scott and John Delahunt got their start playing minor football right here. These connections were re-established last season during “I Heart Football” week, a REDBLACKS initiative in partnership with Ottawa High Schools and the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).
“In early October, we organized activities around the concept of promoting minor football in Ottawa,” said REDBLACKS group experience specialist, Stephen Street. “REDBLACKS players served as guest coaches at a number of different high school team practices and a major football day at St. Joseph High School. We had the REDBLACKS cheer team, mascots and several players out to watch. The on the following Saturday we invited six high school teams to play at TD Place. This was a big thrill for their players.”
NCAFA teams got involved with I Heart Football at the REDBLACKS home game on Friday, Oct. 3. “Our teams played on the field during half-time,” said NCAFA President, Stephen Dean. “We also had a cheerleading squad out there and our players greeted the REDBLACKS as they ran out of the tunnel at the start of the game.” Later that weekend NCAFA kids had their chance to play full games at TD Place. “It was absolutely first class,” said Dean. “OSEG had the big screen on with replays and everything. Even the concessions were open. It gave the players the feeling like they were playing in a big-time game.”
Dean sees the return of the REDBLACKS being beneficial beyond just special events like the I Heart Football week. “It is great for our young players to see role models at the professional level. We look forward to working with the REDBLACKS to do things like coaching clinics and skills camps. Also, working the 50/50 draws on REDBLACKS game day has greatly contributed to supporting minor football in Ottawa. Everyone from OSEG, especially Jeff Hunt, has been a treat to work with and we are excited to grow this relationship.”
REDBLACKS fullback, John Delahunt, is the perfect example of what a strong minor football program can produce. “I started playing high school and minor football in the ninth grade,” said Delahunt. “I played for the Kanata Knights and then the Ottawa Sooners. I eventually got a scholarship to play at the University of Connecticut. Minor football provided me with a great framework. I learned important life lessons like the importance of responsibility and teamwork. I am looking forward to hopefully working with minor teams in the off-season to give back. There is a lot of great talent out there and it would be great to see them reach their full potential.”
With events like I Heart Football week, it is very possible we will be seeing many players from minor football in Ottawa making the REDBLACKS roster in the near future.
