Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Lions have announced a partnership with Football Ontario to promote flag football across the province. This collaboration aims to provide athletes with opportunities to connect with the NFL and the Detroit Lions, while also fostering community engagement.

From February to April 2025, Football Ontario will host a series of flag football events. These events are open to Canadian and U.S. collegiate programs and competitive teams, featuring divisions for adult men and women. Participants can register at playflagontario.ca/, which includes tournament entry, jerseys, and rental flag belts. Priority registration is given to teams from Ontario.

The event schedule includes:

- Feb. 15, 2025: Adult Tournament Series First Qualifier at St. Francis Xavier Indoor Dome in Milton, ON

- March 15, 2025: Adult Tournament Series Second Qualifier at BMO Centre London in London, ON

- April 5-6, 2025: Collegiate Provincial Championship at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, ON

- April 12, 2025: Adult Tournament Series Championship in Niagara, ON

Football Ontario's flagship program focuses on inclusion and development within the sport. The Collegiate Provincial Championship will feature over 20 women's flag football programs from colleges across Ontario.

"Our partnership with the Detroit Lions marks a significant milestone in Football Ontario's mission to elevate flag football across the province," said Olivia Ghosh-Swaby of Football Ontario. "The Lions have demonstrated exceptional competitiveness this season... this collaboration aligns perfectly with our goal of creating inclusive opportunities for athletes."

This initiative is part of the Detroit Lions' expansion into Canada through the NFL's Global Markets Program rights granted in April 2024. Brian Facchini of the Detroit Lions stated, "We are thrilled to partner with Football Ontario... we are excited to build on the amazing Lions fan base... throughout Ontario and Canada."

Both organizations aim to create pathways for athlete success by promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities beyond competition.