For Immediate Release
October 17 2025
Football Ontario Unveils 2026 Team Ontario U18 Women’s Tackle Coaching Staff
Football Ontario Announces the U18 Team Ontario Women’s Tackle Coaching Staff
Hamilton, Ontario – Football Ontario has officially unveiled the 2026 Team Ontario coaching staff for the U18 Women’s Tackle Program that will head to Regina, SK for the Women’s Tackle National Championship in the summer of 2026.
Head Dan Legros is stepping into his new role as Head Coach of the U18 Team Ontario Women’s Tackle team. After serving as Defensive Coordinator for Team Black in 2024, and General Manager in 2025, Coach Legros is ready to take the helm of the women’s tackle program, bringing years of expertise, passion and coach development to the new staff. Team Ontario Women’s Tackle will return to the National Stage, following their silver medal finish to Alberta in 2025.
The 2026 staff will add a number of experienced and enthusiastic coaches as well as see a number of coaches returning from last year’s program. Football Ontario is proud to provide pathways for women in football, as the new staff features 4 former Team Ontario women’s tackle athletes. The entire staff and their community and scholastic coaching affiliations are listed below:
Head Coach: Dan Legros (Cornwall Wildcats, École secondaire catholique La Citadelle)
General Manager: Kevin Velinor (Scarborough Thunder, Bill Crothers Secondary School, Hamilton Hurricanes)
Athletic Therapist: Kassie Friend (Sudbury Spartans, Laurentian Voyageurs)
Equipment Manager: Aaryn Purdy (Cornwall Wildcats, St Joe’s High School)
Offensive Coordinator: Isaac Smith (Peel Panthers)
Quarterbacks Coach: Isabelle Berube
Offensive Line: Chloe Winterton (Carleton Ravens)
Defensive Coordinator: Gord Goddard (Sudbury Spartans)
Defensive Line & Special Teams: Taryn Coleman (St Joe’s High School, Bel Air Lions)
Defensive Backs & Linebackers: Calli Dorey (St Michael’s College School)
“I am very much looking forward to getting to work with the coaching staff that we have assembled. All of these coaches have current experience in growing women’s football at an elite level throughout the entire province. Most of the staff have previous experience as coaches and players at the National level which will undoubtedly help in our quest for Gold.” says Dan Legors, Head Coach.
“I’m excited to welcome this year’s Team Ontario U18 Women’s Tackle coaching staff. This group brings together passionate leaders who are committed to growing opportunities for women and girls in football across the province, as well as four former Team Ontario athletes who I’ve had the privilege of watching develop into strong, confident leaders. The commitment and enthusiasm from this staff reflect the continued growth of our program, and I’m looking forward to building on the momentum and success we’ve created together,” says Emily Todd, Director of Development & Administration.
Team Ontario Women’s Tackle ID Camps will take place in January and February, 2026. Registration information coming soon!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ABOUT FOOTBALL ONTARIO: Football Ontario is 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. Football Ontario is driven by a commitment to deliver football programming, opportunities and resources for its members and the provincial football stakeholders. Please visit: footballontario.net
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