Ottawa to host third annual 6 Nations Challenge

The 6 Nations Challenge is aimed at player development as well as increasing participation among Aboriginal players across Canada. The inaugural event was held August 2010 in Saskatoon, SK while the 2011 edition was held in Charlottetown, PEI.

To assist in player development throughout the week teams will hold interlocking practices against local NCAFA club team, the South Ottawa Mustangs as well as the CJFL’s Ottawa Sooners, offering opportunities for collaborative coaching. Wednesday, August 22 will feature a “shootout” challenge consisting of controlled scrimmages in which teams will receive series of 10 plays beginning at their opponents’ 45-yard line. To cap off the week, participants will face-off through a series of mini-games on Saturday, August 25.

“The 6 Nations Challenge was created to help promote the game of football, more specifically to athletes and coaches participating in 6-A-Side programs across Canada,” said Josh Sacobie, Football Canada Technical Coordinator. “The focus of this event is to not acknowledge a champion, but to contribute to the development of its participants.”

“6-A-Side football continues to grow across Canada. The third annual 6 Nations Challenge will help showcase the benefits of 6-A-Side football in the nation’s capital and how exciting a brand of football it can actually be.”

6-A-Side football is a perfect fit for minor football, Aboriginal communities, female participants, and any community that is unequipped to manage a full 12-player program. Players are also able to develop a well-rounded skill set since they are not regulated into one position. 6-A-Side football is a fast paced game, allows 1-on-1 coaching and lets everyone touch the ball while still teaching the fundamentals of football: tackling, blocking, passing, catching and kicking.