Stampeders host youth flag football practice at new Fonda Field in S.E. Calgary
The Grey Cup Festival's community legacy project opens weekly displays next month ahead of next-April completion.
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The Calgary Stampeders hosted an impromptu flag football practice Saturday morning at Fonda Field, a new youth facility in south-east Calgary that will be the legacy project of the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival.
Located at 1017 Fonda Ct. S.E., the field is a partnership between the city and the Calgary Stampeders Foundation. It will be fully marked and ready for play next April. On Saturday, Stampeders defensive linemen Jaylon Hutchings and Folarin Orimolade worked with young players from local teams, including 13-year-olds Dominic Hirtle and Ronin Stastook of the Cobras.
Dominic Hirtle said: "We didn't have a designated field, we just kind of bounced around before." Ronin Stastook added: "I can't wait to play on this field — it's going to be amazing."
Stampeders President Jay McNeil framed the facility as an investment in youth development: "Football teaches the value of hard work, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, passion and resilience and you don't have to play professional football to learn those things. You just need an opportunity to play the game and that's why we're incredibly excited about the Calgary Stampeders' community flag football field, because we are giving youth the opportunity to experience this great game. The only way to grow the game of football is with facilities like Fonda Field."
Flag football coach Logan Ruzycki, who has been involved in the sport for six years, noted the access gap the field fills: "For many families here, this will be their first opportunity to play flag football close to home." He said many prospective young players never got the chance to compete simply because dedicated space didn't exist. "Some of the kids putting on that flag belt for the first time here could be chasing that dream and it could start on that field right here."
Flag football is set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Grey Cup Festival Executive Director Karen Dommett said the field represents a threshold moment for young players in Calgary: "For the first time, kids will run onto the field, teams will be formed, coaches will give their first pep talk and families will cheer from the sidelines and friendships will begin right here."
The Stampeders defeated Saskatchewan on Friday, keeping them in contention for the CFL championship.
The facts
Where is Fonda Field located?
Fonda Field is located at 1017 Fonda Ct. S.E. in south-east Calgary.
Who partnered to create Fonda Field?
The City of Calgary and the Calgary Stampeders Foundation partnered to create Fonda Field.
Why is Fonda Field significant for flag football in Calgary?
For many families in Calgary, Fonda Field will be their first opportunity to play flag football close to home, filling a gap where young players previously lacked dedicated space to compete.
