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Football is more than a sport.

It’s a chance to stand as a team, listen deeply, and move reconciliation forward.

Overview

U8–U18

Football Program Details.

The Orange Jersey Project invites flag and tackle football teams from across Canada to join a growing movement of reconciliation through sport.

The Orange Jersey Project invites flag and tackle football teams from across Canada to join a growing movement of reconciliation through sport.

By combining on,field team culture with off,field learning, players gain a deeper understanding of the Indian Residential School system and their role in building a more inclusive future.
Participating teams are gifted: orange jerseys, coaching resources, and access to the Player Education Portal, a guided learning experience built specifically for young athletes.

Football Team Registration Process.

Getting your team involved in the Football Program is straightforward and meaningful. Jersey’s typically take 2-4 weeks for delivery.

2025 Registration Windows

Spring Season
February 1, 2025 — April 1, 2025

Fall Season
July 1, 2025 — August 1, 2025

  • Limited to 150 teams per season
  • Registration is free thanks to the support of our partners
  1. Coach or Team Manager Applies

    Only coaches or team managers may submit applications to ensure program integrity and avoid duplicates.

  2. Application Review 1-2 Weeks

    All applications are reviewed for eligibility, regional balance, and alignment with the program’s mission.

  3. Approval & Kit Delivery 3-5 Weeks

    Approved teams will receive a full Orange Jersey Kit, including player jerseys, coaching hats, educational materials, and instructions to access the Player Education Portal.

  4. Team Participation Season Aug-Mar

    Jerseys are worn at practices or game events, and players complete the learning modules. Certificates of completion are issued when the program is finished.

  5. Certificate Awarded

    Players who complete the learning modules receive a digital certificate of completion recognizing their participation in reconciliation through sport.

Kit Contents.

Each approved U8–U18 Football team receives:

  • Up to 30 Official Orange Practice Jerseys

    Featuring the Every Child Matters crest and OJP branding

  • Certificate of Completion

    Issued to each athlete who completes the educational journey

  • 2 Coaching Hats

    For head coaches or team leaders to wear proudly during practices or events.

  • Access to the Player Education Portal

    Secure login to age, specific modules and interactive learning tools

Season Info + Timeline.

  1. Registration

    Pre-registration for the 2025/2026 season opens: November 1, 2025. The program is limited to 150 teams across Canada.
Only coaches or team managers may apply. All entries are reviewed to ensure eligibility and alignment with program values.

  2. Kit Delivery 2-4 Weeks

    Kits begin shipping in Spring 2026. Delivery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after a team is approved. Each kit includes orange jerseys (Flag or Tackle format), coaching hats, a number kit, and instructions for accessing the Player Education Portal.

  3. Education Window Spring-Fall

    Teams are encouraged to complete the Player Education Portal between Spring and Fall 2026. Each athlete who completes the program will receive a certificate of completion.

  4. Every Child Matters Game

    Teams are invited to dedicate a game or practice during the season to honour Every Child Matters. A hosting toolkit is included with your jersey kit.

Training Ground

Player Education Portal.

Wearing the jersey is just the beginning—learning is what brings the message to life.

Completion of the Player Education Portal is a core part of the Orange Jersey Project.

A secure, age-appropriate learning platform designed to help youth understand the true history of Indian Residential Schools.

  • Participate as a team or individual
  • 30-45 min to complete
  • Certificate for each athlete
  • Age-appropriate content