More than 30 Ottawa Catholic schools send students to play touch football at TD Place

Elementary students from more than 30 Ottawa Catholic schools got the chance to run onto the field where the Ottawa REDBLACKS play this month, as part of a new partnership that brought four days of touch football to TD Place.

The event was organized through a partnership between the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the REDBLACKS and TD Place, the Ottawa Catholic School Board said. Students heard their schools announced over the stadium speakers and played on professional turf at one of the city's best-known sports venues.

Building connections beyond the game

While the tournament featured close games and strong play, the board said some of the best moments happened off the field. Students tested their skills, encouraged teammates and showed respect for their opponents throughout the four days.

The initiative was designed to help elementary students begin building connections with the high school communities they will eventually join. Grade 9 dancers from St. Pius X High School performed at halftime on the first and final days, led sideline cheers and connected with the younger students.

The dancers also served as student ambassadors, welcoming younger students and offering a preview of the activities and opportunities available in high school.

For St. Pius X educator Jillian Ting, the event carried personal meaning. A former St. Mother Teresa student and one-time Ottawa REDBLACKS cheerleader, Ting returned to TD Place to watch her own students perform on the field.

Tournament closed with girls' touch football

The four days concluded with the West End Girls Touch Football Tournament, which gave elementary girls their own chance to play at the stadium.

The board said the event reflected its Strategic Commitment to Be Community, with students representing their schools with pride and demonstrating that sportsmanship matters as much as the final score.

The experience also ties into this year's board spiritual theme, Nourish New Beginnings. Moving from elementary to high school is a significant transition, and the board said chances to build friendships and get to know older students can help make that step easier.

The board thanked the Ottawa REDBLACKS and TD Place for helping make the new partnership possible.

The students may not remember every touchdown or final score, but the board noted they will likely remember the day they played football where the pros play.