Ontario Football Launches Inaugural Ontario Flag Football League

The Ontario Football Alliance announced today the launch of the very first provincial wide amatuer 5-a-side and 7-a-side flag football league in Ontario, the Ontario Flag Football League.

Hamilton, Ontario February 26/2020-  Ontario Football Alliance, the provincial governing body for football in Ontario, has officially launched the OFFL. The OFFL is bringing fast paced 5 -a-side and 7-a-side flag action, local and regional events, provincial championships and Team Ontario high performance pathways to both Football Canada and the Canadian Flag Football League events.

The OFFL will provide access to any Ontario Football Alliance member association the opportunity to participate in the province-wide league by providing resources to help grow local 5-a-side or 7-a-side flag leagues. These local leagues will be the selection process for teams competing at 12 separate regional championships which will determine the teams to compete for the first OFFL provincial championships. The Ontario Football Alliance will also utilize the OFFL as the high performance pathway for the selection of Team Ontario's U16, U18, U20 as well as Senior Mens and Womens teams to compete at the national level. 

Ontario Football Executive Director Aaron Geisler, believes the OFFL will help foster the growth of football in the province.  “The introduction of Ontario's first provincial wide flag football league for both males and females at a variety of age groups and competitive levels provides participants and local associations incredible opportunities. Flag football has continued to grow at an exponential rate in the province and we want to ensure a clear and exciting pathway for these players to hopefully one day represent Ontario and compete on the world stage. ”

The inaugural 2021 season will serve as a jumping off point for the league as the COVID-19 pandemic provides a variety of challenges. The OFFL will run throughout the spring and summer based on the reopening framework within the province. The OFFL provincial championship will take place in accordance with provincial restrictions and  dates and location are to be determined. Member associations will have the opportunity to select their teams leading up to their respective regional championship either through local leagues or identification process, COVID-19 permitting.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has provided many challenges but has also provided us an opportunity to be innovative in our approach to program development in the province. We understand that navigating the pandemic will provide challenges but we are prepared to be flexible in the delivery of the OFFL  ” Geisler explains.

Although contact football has been sidelined in the latest addition of the reopening framework, progress is being made to get organizations the tools and procedures to get back onto the field. The introduction of flag football practices and games provides an opportunity to grow an already expanding sport in the province. Flag Football has seen incredible growth in North America and that trend will continue through out the pandemic. As the sport moves forward with its return, Ontario Football will continue to provide guidance and direction for organizations in Ontario. The provincial body will provide clarity and guidance in the resumption of activities. For more information please visit: /

About the Ontario Football Alliance.

The Ontario Football Alliance, the sanctioned provincial governing body for football in Ontario, through its focus on transparency, growth, alignment and excellence, is engaged in providing football opportunities for all of Ontario. The Ontario Football Alliance is driven by a commitment to deliver football programing, opportunities and resources for all of its membership and the provincial football stakeholders.

Please visit: ontariofootball.ca

Source: Ontario Football