NFL Forward Pass: $25,000 for local football programs

A Third Call for Applications

NFL Canada continues its commitment to community football across the country. The league is relaunching its NFL Forward Pass program, which will once again award three $25,000 grants to youth football organizations this year.

The program aims to remove barriers that prevent young people from playing football, whether it's contact football or flag football. The goal is to make the sport more accessible and inclusive across Canada.

As reported by SooToday, coaches, players, and community members are invited to nominate a deserving program. They must explain how a $25,000 grant could make a real difference in their community.

Applications will be accepted until December 8, 2026, on the program's website. Three winners will be selected: one in Western Canada, one in Ontario, and one in Quebec or Eastern Canada.

A Montreal club was among last year's winners

Launched in 2024, NFL Forward Pass has already supported six community football programs across the country. Last year, the Jeunesse au Soleil Hornets in Montreal were among the three organizations recognized, along with the Winnipeg Falcons Football Club and the North Toronto Sentinels in Vaughan.

The program's popularity shows no signs of waning. For the second year in a row, NFL Canada received more than 500 applications from football programs across the country.

In addition to the $25,000 grant, each winning organization will host a visit from the NFL to its community. This event includes a tailgate, an official check presentation, and the distribution of gifts.

Certain conditions apply. Organizations must, among other things, offer football activities to at least 50 youth, have certified coaches, and maintain policies regarding player safety, abuse, and harassment. They must also have an established process to assist families in need. The funds received must be used to cover registration fees or to overcome barriers that prevent youth from playing.

NFL Forward Pass joins other league initiatives in Canada, including NFL Way to Play, which awards a weekly $3,000 equipment grant to a high school or CEGEP football team. Through these programs, NFL Canada has invested more than $200,000 in grassroots football across the country.

For Quebec clubs lacking resources, this third edition represents a great opportunity to get a significant boost.

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