Promotion

In 2006 the NFL High School Coach of the Year program was expanded to also recognize community and varsity (under 19) coaches. The program is now called The Home Depot NFL Canadian Youth Coach of the Year.

High school coaches put a lot of energy into developing the game of football in Canada. To recognize these efforts, the NFL and created the High School Coach of the Year award.

Each fall the NFL and announce a short list of finalists for the award, run in conjunction with the Vanier Cup (Canadian University Football Championship).

The award is designed to recognize coaches across Canada who make significant contributions to the game of football, and to the development of players both on and off the field. It is also designed to give players a chance to say "thanks" to their high school coaches.

The winning coach is selected from the shortlist by a panel of NFL and CIS officials, and journalists from across Canada. The results are announced during the week preceding the Vanier Cup. A total of $5,000 WORTH OF NEW WILSON AND RIDDELL FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT is donated to the winning coach's program. Two runners-up will each receive $2,000 in equipment. Thousands of dollars in The Home Depot gift cards (for 'football program renovation' projects, such as fixing bleachers or painting locker rooms)will also be awarded to winning coaches. The winning coach is also flown to Toronto, honoured at the CIS coaches' luncheon, and is a guest of the National Football League at the Vanier Cup celebrations held this year at SkyDome in Toronto.

ONLY CURRENT CIS AND CEGEP PLAYERS CAN NOMINATE A COACH FOR THIS AWARD. These players are asked to submit a short essay recognizing the positive impact their former high school coach has on students, both on and off the field.

Players are asked to consider how their coach teaches respect, safety, motivation, leadership and appreciation for the game of football when drafting nominations. Winning submissions earn a total of $3,000 for the CIS football programs currently attended by successful nominating players.

"We define the Youth Coach of the Year as someone who gives selflessly of his time and positively impacts his players," said Jay Sweeney, Director of Development at NFL Canada. "This program is special because the praise for the coaches comes from the most important source -- the players themselves."