Argos Bring Football Back To Runnymede C.i. And Host ‘return To Play Safety Seminar’ For Coaches

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA – Celebrating its fifth year in 2013, the Toronto Argonauts’ Level the Playing Field program, presented by Tim Hortons, has committed to developing student athletes by establishing and re-establishing football programs at Toronto high schools while also making the game safer for players and coaches.  On Tuesday, September 10,at the Toronto Argonauts’ practice facility, the program will officially introduce the Runnymede C.I. Red Ravens football program, which last fielded a squad in 1984, and also host its second annual Return to Play Safety Seminar for TDSB high school football coaches.

Commented Toronto Argonauts Executive Chairman & CEO, Chris Rudge, “Runnymede Collegiate Institute has a rich football tradition that dates back to the 1920s and we are pleased to partner with Tim Hortons and the Toronto District School Board to support the resurrection of this once thriving team. We have now successfully returned football to eleven Toronto high schools while also providing them with safety-first programming that has educated and assisted both the student athletes and their coaches. Through the support of our partners, and the hard work of the many coaches, teachers and volunteers, we are excited that another local high school and its surrounding community will experience all of the positive benefits associated with fielding a football team.”

Commented Paul Edwards, Principal Runnymede Collegiate Institute, “After 29 years, football is finally returning to Runnymede C.I. with the support of the 100^th Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts. We are confident that the positive influence and mentoring of the Argonauts players and organization will have a significant, positive impact on student success.”

“For the fifth year in a row, the Tim Hortons Toronto Restaurant Owners are excited to be sponsoring the Level the Playing Field program,” said Jason St. Croix. “We strive to be active members in the Toronto community and are proud to support Level the Playing Field in an effort to encourage team sports in our local school system. We believe that team sports contribute positively to the development of our children and youth, and we are committed to giving back to the communities where we live, work and play.”

The day will begin with a session designed to educate coaches and make our game even safer for youth who participate in high school football. Coaches in attendance will learn about return-to-play protocol and forms, join Argonauts’ Head Athletic Therapist Dave Wright in a presentation about player safety protocol, watch as Argonauts’ Equipment Manager Danny Webb demonstrates the importance of size, maintenance and type of equipment, and hear from Argonauts’ General Manager Jim Barker about how to teach youth to play safe. New this year, Argonauts’ player alumnus Sandy Annunziata will join in the discussion to share how coaches and players can better open lines of communication about the effects of injuries. Once finished, all of the coaches will be invited outside to watch a live Toronto Argonauts practice on the field.

Following the Toronto Argonauts practice, the club will officially re-introduce the Runnymede C.I. Red Ravens football team. Originally founded in 1927, the program was a city powerhouse for decades and produced such CFL greats including Dick Aldridge, Teddy Toogood and Dan Rashovich. The program was folded in 1984 and, 29 years later, is being resurrected in an effort to renew a decades-old football tradition.  Runnymede C.I. becomes the eleventh TDSB high school to receive a football program since Level the Playing Field was launched in 2009.

In addition to returning or introducing football teams in the TDSB and TCDSB, and hosting annual safety seminars for coaches, the Level the Playing Field Program also provides athletic therapists and a helmet certification program to schools throughout the school boards. Not only do the teams that receive grants benefit from mentorship experiences, but the entire school community is engaged by the program through player, cheerleader and program staff acting as ambassadors for school spirit.

Here are the details for the RETURN TO PLAY SAFETY SEMINAR:

Here are the details for the PHOTO OPPORTUNITY with Runnymede C.I. Red Ravens: