CFL Edmonton Elks

Green Squad vs. Gold Squad January 30

Published on January 20, 2016 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release


(Edmonton) - Eskimos players will coach a Green Squad vs. Gold Squad flag football game to celebrate the introduction of flag football into the junior high physical education curriculum.

The Green Squad, led by Eskimos long snapper Ryan King and defensive tackle Almondo Sewell, will face off against the Gold Squad, led by wide receiver Nate Coehoorn and fullback Calvin McCarty, on Saturday Jan. 30, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. in the Field House at Commonwealth Stadium.

The five-on-five game will feature players from local junior high schools, representatives from the Edmonton Huskies and Edmonton Wildcats junior football clubs and University of Alberta Golden Bears Football. Eskimos legends Rick Walters and Shannon Garrett will hit the turf as well.

Fans can win their way into the special event through Twitter. Follow @EdmontonEskimos for details.

The introduction of flag football into the junior high public school curriculum is the result of collaboration by the Edmonton Eskimos, the Edmonton Public School Board, Football Alberta and the City of Edmonton.

Nearly 450 students, close to evenly split between males and females, from 19 schools will take to the gridiron on February 4, 11 and 18 for fundamentals sessions and anti-bullying presentations. This spring, participating schools will compete in flag football intramurals to put their new skills to work.

Quote from Eskimos President and CEO Len Rhodes:

Flag Football is one of our most important strategic priorities. It allows children to get familiar with the game, participate in physical activity and learn team skills they can apply in their everyday lives. Creating a junior high flag football program is a natural and important progression now that our novice flag football program with Football Alberta has become a huge success. I am excited that our work with the Edmonton Public School Board, Football Alberta and our Eskimos Alumni Association allows us to expand the reach of flag football initiatives.

Quote from Edmonton Public School Board Curriculum Coordinator John Ioannides:

Students who participate in athletic programs tend to have higher academic success, better attendance, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline-related concerns. We feel flag football is an excellent way for our junior high students to experience physical activity in a safe environment while learning a great game. Many physical literacy skills are inherent in the game of football and fit nicely with our philosophy on school sports. We are excited by the prospect of this partnership with the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club and Football Alberta and look forward to our inaugural season this spring.

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