Detroit Lions and Football Ontario Continue Partnership to Host Flag Football Events in Canada
Detroit, ON — The Detroit Lions and Football Ontario are proud to announce the return of their partnership for a second year, continuing their shared commitment to growing the game of football through flag and strengthening the Lions’ connection with Canadian fans and athletes.
This ongoing partnership features the Adult Flag Football Circuit and the Women’s Collegiate Provincial Championship, offering athletes across Ontario the opportunity to experience NFL-affiliated competition while engaging directly with the Detroit Lions brand.
Growing the Game
Now entering its second year, this initiative reflects the Detroit Lions’ broader mission to expand football participation and community engagement in Canada. Through these events, athletes can connect to the excitement of the NFL while contributing to the development of flag football as a pathway sport, aligning with Football Ontario’s efforts to expand opportunities for players at all levels.
In 2025, the partnership delivered three branded events supporting the growth of adult flag football and Canada’s Olympic pathway. Nearly 600 male and female athletes participated last year, creating vibrant, inclusive events that combined high-level competition with community-building and fan engagement. Custom Lions-branded jerseys, signage, and equipment helped create a professional and memorable experience for athletes, fans, and partners alike.
Returning in 2026, the tournaments are open to both Canadian and U.S. teams across men’s, women’s, and collegiate divisions – promoting competition, inclusivity, and cross-border collaboration that celebrates the growth of the sport.
Registration is now open at playflagontario.ca.
2026 Event Schedule
- First Qualifier: February 14 – Civic Recreation Complex, Oshawa, ON
- Second Qualifier: March 14 – BMO Centre, London, ON
- Series Championship: June 13 — Eastview Community Park, Guelph, ON
- Collegiate Provincial Championship: April 3–4 — Fleming College, Peterborough, ON (Ontario universities & colleges only)
Shared Commitment to Development and Inclusion in Football
This collaboration underscores both organizations’ dedication to fostering community connection and creating accessible opportunities in football.
“Through continued support from the Detroit Lions, we’re building more than events—we’re building a pathway for athletes to grow in the sport,” said Olivia Ghosh-Swaby, Manager of Flag Football Development for Football Ontario. “Flag football offers a fun, inclusive way to engage new players and fans, and the Lions’ involvement allows us to inspire more women, girls, and adults to get involved at every level.”
The goal is to provide high-quality competition while supporting athlete development, community connection, and lifelong participation in football.
Athlete Impact and Community Connection
Athletes from last year’s tournaments have shown strong enthusiasm, with many returning for another season – proof of the impact this partnership continues to make. Participants highlighted improvements in skill, teamwork, and camaraderie, as well as the excitement of playing in Lions-branded events.
Football Ontario projects a 25% increase in participation this year, further demonstrating the growing passion for football and the Lions in Ontario.
“This tournament was an awesome experience from start to finish. The energy was unmatched – fast-paced, competitive, and fun,” said Sydney Coe, athlete from Laurentian University.
“The Lions Circuit gave me a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while connecting with amazing people. Having that NFL connection made it all the more special,” added Karen Wong, of the London Legends Women’s Flag Team.
Brian Facchini, Chief Communications & Brand Officer for the Detroit Lions, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“We’re proud to continue working with Football Ontario to grow the game of football through flag while connecting more deeply with our fans across Canada. The NFL and football as a whole continue to unite communities, and these events allow us to celebrate that shared passion on and off the field.”
Partnership Highlights
The 2025 season demonstrated impressive growth and engagement:
- Social Media Reach: 2,068,346 views | 1,178,849 individuals reached | 80,000 engagements
- Participation: 34 teams | 285 male athletes | 192 female athletes | 512 collegiate athletes
- Games Played: Over 160 flag football games were delivered across Ontario
These metrics highlight the success of the Lions’ ongoing collaboration with Football Ontario in growing the sport, strengthening communities, and building lasting connections between the Lions organization and fans across Canada.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.footballontario.net
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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