Several years ago, on another blog, I wrote that the CFL had to get more Canadians involved right across the country in order for the CFL to grow and expand.
One way of doing this is to copy the NFL, which has a yearly punt, pass, and kick competition that involves children from 8 to 13 years old.
Selling the CFL #5: Get Children Involved
This kind of program is an excellent way of attracting fans of both sexes at an early age by involving them and their parents in a national competition that concludes during the playoffs. Finalists for the passing competition get to show their stuff on national television and are part of an awards presentation during the game.
Currently there is no such national competition for selling the CFL across Canada. Though each club is involved in many charitable events, only the B.C. Lions have a local punt, pass and kick competition.
This is surprising because when football in Canada is compared to hockey, the need to establish roots at an early age is critical for the CFL.
In hockey, children can compete at an early age, usually in a non-contact way.
I would not recommend establishing tackle football leagues for young children at an early age where they could get hurt. Usually children are introduced to contact football only in their high school years.
So to get children involved with football (other than touch-football leagues) at a much earlier age, in a non-violent way, a national Canadian punt, pass, and kick competition would be an ideal means of attracting young fans and their parents.
Since it is a non-contact competition, both sexes can compete; the league could get some its distinguished alumni involved as well.
Currently almost the only visible way fans see the CFL involved with children are the yearly television commercials with War Amps team mascots.
Children are the future fans of the CFL. In Canada they grow up with hockey and the NHL. The CFL needs to find ways to grow up with children too.
Punt, pass, and kick would be an excellent way of getting children and their parents in involved with the league. It’s over to the new Commissioner and the Board of Governors to set such a program up.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
