TORONTO — The Canadian Football League (CFL) and its member clubs committed to donating more than $4 million to amateur football in 2019, it was announced on Wednesday.

“In 2018 we pledged to invest over $3 million in amateur football and I’m incredibly proud that our member clubs significantly surpassed that. In 2019, we are raising the bar even further,” said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the CFL, on the heels of a full day of meetings with league Presidents about the future of amateur football in Canada

“There is not another sport like football. It is the ultimate team game which provides an opportunity for youth from all walks of life to live an active lifestyle while also developing important life skills such as confidence, teamwork and determination.”

The announcement today comes after an audit conducted by the CFL determined that more than $4,115,746 was invested in amateur football over the course of 2018.

Efforts across the country included; more than 2,000 appearances at amateur football events by players & coaches, clinics, tournaments and celebrations of amateur football from coast to coast and direct donations to amateur football programs.

The efforts included, but were not limited to, the following programs and initiatives:

The Montreal Alouettes Ultimate Football Tour taught over 5,000 youth the fundamentals of football.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS held a mock training camp event for more than 350 women interested in deepening their knowledge of football.

The Toronto Argonauts Huddle Up Bullying Prevention program reached over 20,000 students in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats Play Action program recognized local coaches and organizers while also providing over 1,300 youth the opportunity to attend clinics, camps, combines and Tiger-Cat games.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers All-Pro camp with Paul LaPolice provided high school players the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship from Bomber coaches & players.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders hosted a Jamboree for the Northern Saskatchewan Football league in La Ronge, SK

The Edmonton Eskimos Junior High School Flag Football program continued to grow and reached 33 schools.

The Calgary Stampeders Intramural Flag Football program provided over 2,000 youth with the opportunity to play recreational flag football at school.

The BC Lions partnered with the province of British Columbia in a ‘After School Sports & Arts Initiative’ (ASSAI) introduce youth to basic football skills while encouraging healthy choices and an active lifestyle.

The Canadian Football League expanded the successful CFL NFL Flag football program to include a tenth regional tournament in Atlantic Canada and grew participation by 52% overall.

“As an entire league, together we can continue to raise funds for amateur football and take the game to new heights.”

In 2018 the CFL announced that the entire league invested $3,352,000 in amateur football.