Seventy-five 6-A-Side tackle football players from Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are preparing for the fourth annual 6 Nations Challenge taking place August 11-17 at Brandon University in Manitoba.
The 6 Nations Challenge is aimed at player development as well as increasing participation among Aboriginal players across Canada. In 2013 the event returns to western Canada for the first time since its 2010 inception in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2011, the event headed to Charlottetown, PEI on Canada’s east coast while in 2012 the event was held in Canada’s National Capital – Ottawa, Ontario.
Wednesday, August 14 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 in a series of mini-games on Saturday, August 17.
“6-A-Side football continues to grow across Canada, providing an avenue for smaller communities as well as those unequipped to manage the traditional 12-A-side program the opportunity to still play tackle football,” explained Football Canada Executive Director, Shannon Donovan. “The 6-A-Side brand of football is fast and exciting – it allows for players to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball and helps develop football fundamentals like passing, catching, blocking, tackling and kicking.”
“The 6 Nations Challenge was established in 2010 to not only promote the great sport of football but more specifically to promote 6-A-Side programs across Canada.”
“The focus of this event is not to acknowledge a champion, but to recognize the development of its participants.”
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 restricted to 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.
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