Young players, NFL stars gather in Ottawa for national flag football tournament

Chicago Bears players Rome Odunze and Neville Gallimore are in Ottawa for a regional flag football tournament hosted by the NFL. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The NFL Flag Regional Tournament took place in Ottawa on Saturday with youth teams gathering in the nation’s capital from across the country.

Twenty-six teams from U10, U12 and U14 divisions competed in the competitive flag football event held at Carleton University.

“We think it’s very fun that we can get to meet all these different players,” said player Louna Page Helajos.

For the athletes, it’s all about putting in the work and enjoying themselves.

“You want to win but you also want to have fun,” said player Daliah Williams.

Two NFL players with the Chicago Bears, Rome Odunze and Ottawa-native Neville Gallimore, attended the tournament.

“We get to come out here and hopefully impact the youth a little bit and that’s huge, especially when it comes to sports. Something I’m very passionate about. Being out here and being able to sign some autographs and cheer on their teams and hopefully inspire them to keep playing ball is what it’s all about,” said Odunze.

Gallimore says it’s refreshing to be back in his hometown. He says he’s excited to meet the kids, watch them play with ambition, and give them some words of encouragement.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I love my city so much because I know there’s a future here. So many great kids, great talent and anytime I get an opportunity to come back home and give back, I’m going to take advantage of that,” said Gallimore.

“For a lot of these kids, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a stepping stone for what they’re about to do.”

In a mostly dominated sport, all divisions are co-ed to give everyone an opportunity at the game.

“We also want to show the boys that girls can play football and not only boys,” said player Sofia Maud.

The winning teams from each division will go onto the 2026 Canadian National Championships from June 26 to 28, which will also take place in Ottawa. Those teams will have an opportunity to travel to the United States and play in an international showcase.

“We actually have NFL flag leagues across the country. We send out flag kits to schools just to get more kids playing the sport. NFL Canada, we really invest in and support the growth of the sport across the country,” said Ned Djogo, manager of partnerships with the NFL in Canada.

“Just giving these kids a chance to grow and have more opportunities to get better at the sport and hopefully represent the country one day.”

Djogo says the NFL tries to bring a star player and Canadian teammate to every tournament to give the kids something to be excited about.

“They get to meet them, talk to them, play around with them. Then, also seeing that Canadian presence and seeing that there is a pathway to the NFL. It’s really special. We really try and do that wherever we can and demonstrate that pathway to these kids.”

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