NFL Canada has announced that it has merged with Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football for the upcoming year. The alliance will bring about significant changes to the intercollegiate sport — among them, an expected increase in fanfare for student athletics at U of T.
One major change will see university football receiving prominent media coverage, including broadcasts of games on Sportsnet’s television channel and website, as well as coverage by other NFL affiliates. The publicity offered by these media sources will inevitably increase the popularity of CIS football.
Over the long term, an increased accessibility to Canadian university football games can help make games more accessible to scouts, giving players greater opportunities to pursue careers in the CFL and NFL. As a result, rather than change the dynamic of student athletes, the sport’s newfound publicity will highlight the dimensions of Canadian football.
In 2011, the University of Toronto celebrated 150 years of varsity football. The National Football Foundation, an organization that provides athletic scholarships and enhancements to varsity football programs, supported U of T’s celebrations.
During the 2013 season, NFL Canada will tour nine university campuses in Ontario and Quebec. The NFL’s program will include NFL-themed experiences for students and fans prior to one of the school’s home football games.. NFL Canada’s visit to each university will include a $4000 donation to each school’s football program.
NFL Canada’s involvement in CIS will greatly assist Canadian football’s transition from a largely peripheral platform to a more competitive one.
