‘You’re included in this sport’: CFLPA hosts kids camp ahead of Grey Cup

Current CFL players showed the next generation the ropes during a football camp over the weekend.

Football-loving kids had a chance to connect with the players in Winnipeg.

On Saturday, the Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) hosted its annual kids camp ahead of the 112th Grey Cup at Winnipeg Soccer Federation South in the University of Manitoba.

Participating kids were able to do drills and practices and learn football skills from active players in the league.

Executive director of CFLPA David Mackie said the annual event brings the players to the community, describing it as “something important.”

“We want to grow football in this country. We want to make sure that our players are accessible to the parents and to the kids, and that’s ultimately going to grow the game,” Mackie told CTV News on Saturday.

He added that the importance of the event is to start an inclusive mindset at a young age.

“We want to make sure that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you’re from, you’re included in the sport, right? The game of football should be inclusive of everybody.

“We’re just so thankful that the kids and the parents came out today.”

Mackie said the player representatives want to give back to the community – something that makes the CFLPA’s players special.

“We’re accessible and they want to give back. They’re not paid to be here. They just love giving back to the community.”